Saturday, December 1st is World AIDS Day, which means it's a good time to remember that there is still much work to be done in the fight against AIDS. Experts have recently announced that HIV is on the rise among young adults, in part because AIDS awareness is slacking in countries like the U.S. and the U.k. Despite the enormous medical advances in treatment, every day more than 6,800 people are infected with HIV and more than 5,000 people die from AIDS-related causes. Even more frightening, less than 25% of people at high-risk for infection, such as those who have unprotected sex or use intravenous drugs, are getting tested regularly. Read on to find out what first lady Laura Bush, Bono, Christy Turlington and others are doing to save lives, and how you can join them:
Laura Bush's Travels in Africa
In June 2007, the first lady traveled to Africa with her daughter Jenna. They visited Senegal, Mozambique, Zambia and Mali, where they toured schools, hospitals and countless communities, handed out medical supplies, and shared information about AIDS and malaria prevention.
Check out photos of Laura Bush in Senegal >>
See the first lady in Mozambique >>
Discover her trip to Zambia >>
Explore her day in Mali >>
Read her journal entries chronicling her travels >>
(RED) Ambassador Christy Turlington
(RED) is a brand created by U2 frontman Bono to raise awareness and money for African AIDS programs. Bono enlisted famous friends like Christy Turlington to serve as ambassadors to Africa to see how (RED) helps people affected by AIDS.
Video: Christy in Swaziland >>
Read Christy's blog >>
Join (RED) >>
Help Eradicate AIDS
AIDS is the leading cause of death in Africa, with 1,700 new adults and children infected every single day—but it shouldn't, and doesn't have to, be this way. Do your part to make Africa clean, healthy and safe again; it can be as simple as a click of your mouse or even purchasing clothes and other items that support AIDS research and awareness this holiday season. With a little effort, you might just save the life of one child—or thousands!
Join iVillage Cares and iCommit to AIDs awareness >>
Video: One family's story of living with AIDS in Africa >>
Educate yourself with the facts on AIDS >>
