COMING EVENTS

World AIDS Day 2007

The Theme for World AIDS Day 2007 is “Leadership.”

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has developed a communications pack for World AIDS Day, which has already been distributed to National Societies and Overseas Branches (NS/OSB). (If you have not received the communications pack, please contact Allison Ali, Information Officer at allison.ali@ifrc.org).  

This pack focuses on the Global Alliance on HIV, and uses the progress in Southern Africa as the example of what the Global Alliance means in practice. To link to the World AIDS Campaign and add a Red Cross Red Crescent flavour, it adds the word 'Communities' to the World AIDS Campaign slogan. Community and household level work is widely acknowledged as the particular strength and added value of RCRC, so if we do not promote the role of communities on World AIDS Day, then who will?

The 'Come Closer...' campaign materials also provide NS/OSB with another option of World AIDS Day. About two thirds of NS have utilised those materials in some way, but often at headquarters. Roll out across each country so every branch is involved could involve and raise the awareness of many people!    

During the past year there have been some encouraging advances in the global response to HIV although we continue to fall far short in the resources and efforts needed to stop the spread of the disease. In the last month alone we have seen government world leaders at the Global Fund Replenishment meeting in Berlin renew and make new commitments to fund HIV care, treatment and prevention programs in countries that have insufficient resources. Similar commitment to respond to HIV and is reflected throughout the world in national and local initiatives, and in civil society including many Red Cross Red Crescent national societies.

However, the greatest advances at any level have been made when there is strong and committed leadership. Leaders with vision, passion, and perseverance, who lead with personal engagement, inspire others to become engaged and make a huge difference in the response of communities to and are better example in the response to HIV. This type of leader does not necessarily hold high office; this type of leader is found in your homes, your community centres, your schools, and your offices.  You are a leader if you choose to be. This is particularly important to remember this year, as the formal leaders of most national societies will be travelling back home from the RCRC International Conference on World AIDS Day.  

This year's theme of “Leadership” encourages you to "Take the Lead" in responding to key issues surrounding HIV. Issues such as stigma and discrimination; access to medicines; and better prevention, treatment, support and care. At home, in schools, at workplaces or community spaces, you can "Take the Lead" in a compassionate, active and effective response to AIDS.