RED

AreWeConnected has gone RED for the day.  Why?

Today, Wednesday, December 1 marks (RED)’s World AIDS Day, wherelandmarks around the world will be illuminated in red lights to highlight the cause of HIV/AIDS prevention. The organization’s goal is for the year 2015 to mark the beginning of the first AIDS-free generation.

To raise awareness, social network users can help to turn a map of the world redusing Twitter and Facebook or by attending a (RED) Meetup. Foursquare users can also participate by including the hashtag “#turnred” when they check in at any location, which will unlock a special (RED) badge.

HIV/AIDS is preventable and treatable but UNAIDS statistics published last week estimate 370,000 children are infected with the disease in 2009, down from 430,000 in 2008. Without treatment, as many as half will die by the age of two. Currently, only 45% of pregnant women have access to the medicine they need to stop transmission, but collectively, prevention measures for pregnant women including HIV screening, antiretroviral medication for those who test positive, treatment during and after labour and infant feeding guidance, have been shown to block mother-to-child transmission in up to 99% of cases and the focus is now on making sure every pregnant woman who needs treatment receives it.

That’s why.  Can you go RED?