World AIDS Day 2011

December 1, 2011 marks the 23rd annual World AIDS Day. This worldwide day of recognition is a day for awareness, education, and remembrance.  The theme starting this year is “Getting to Zero”, this theme will continue until 2015.  The goal is zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination, and zero AIDS related deaths.  According to the UN, over 33 million people are living with HIV/AIDS.  International Child Care is working towards this goal on a daily basis through many programs in Haiti.

ICC and Grace Childrens Hospital offer HIV/AIDS testing for those individuals that wish to be tested.  Last year, GCH tested over 15,000 men, women, and children for HIV.  Following these tests, there is counseling that is offered to the individuals prior to results.  For those that test positive, palliative care as well as ARV treatment is offered.  There is also a family planning program that is accessible to those that would like to learn about protection against HIV/AIDS, the program currently has over 21,400 people enrolled.  ICC also has a unique program that is concentrated on those individuals that have both TB and HIV. These services are available for both children and adults from ICC.  

The United Nations has set a list of 8 goals that they hope to achieve by 2015.  One of those goals is combating HIV/AIDS.  International Child Care is determined to help achieve this goal in Haiti through our programs.  The infection rate has decreased in Haiti in recent years due to education and prevention.

To learn more about these programs, please visit ICC’s HIV/AIDS page.