Sub-Saharan Africa is more heavily affected by HIV and AIDS than any other region of the world. In this region alone an estimated 22.5 million people were living with HIV at the end of 2007 and approximately 1.7 million additional people were infected with HIV during that year. More than 11 million children have been orphaned by AIDS.

In a world often divided into “us” and “them,” where overwhelming numbers numb the pain of death from AIDS and poverty, it is time for the Church to stand up and offer hope and empowerment to Africa one community at a time. It is time for “us” to say that “they” matter and together, “we” can change the world.

Started on December 1, 1988, World AIDS Day is not just about raising money, but also about increasing awareness, fighting prejudice and improving education. World AIDS Day is important in reminding people that HIV has not gone away, and that there are many things still to be done. 2008 World AIDS Day is December 1.

I work part-time for an organization called Life in Abundance. LIA and our partner churches are working to change the tide one life at a time. Through health training, abstinence programs, testing programs, prevention of mother to child transmission, AIDS support groups and home care we are serving those who are already infected and working to prevent more from becoming infected.

Our Youth HIV/AIDS Prevention Program in partnership with USAID and Food for the Hungry Ethiopia has impacted more than 19,000 youth. Over 800 people living with AIDS are receiving home based care through LIA and partner church volunteers. In one year, our Vertical Transmission program saw over 50 women given the appropriate precautions to avoid mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Join our fight against this horrible disease and help us minister to those who are suffering from it.

On this World AIDS Day, do something. If not with LIA then with someone. We can not stay silent.