HIV and AIDS Today
Even though HIV/AIDS is not in the news as much as in decades past, it continues to be a worldwide public health issue. It has claimed more than 42.3 million lives and over 39.9 million adults and children continue to live with HIV today. However, the number of people acquiring HIV has decreased by 39% since 2010, and HIV-related deaths have decreased by 51% since 2010. While there is no vaccine to cure HIV, there are drugs to control the virus and help prevent the transmission of the disease, thus allowing people with HIV to live healthy and productive lives.
Unfortunately, even after 40+ years of research, education, and understanding, people with HIV/AIDS continue to face legal and social issues. Since 1990, our own St. Ann AIDS Ministry has reached out to those with HIV/AIDS in the simplest, but important ways – shopping for groceries, serving a meal, cleaning a home, answering calls on the telephone hotline, holding a hand, planning funeral services, and sometimes being there at the last breath of life.
We hope that one day HIV/AIDS will be eradicated. But, until then, we need to support and pray for those with the disease and for those who serve them as Jesus’ hands and feet around the world. For more information about St. Ann’s AIDS Ministry and how they may help others or how you may help them, call our AIDS hotline at (770) 518-6094.
Pastoral Care Director,
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