Community Conversations Bring Awareness to HIV AIDS Epidemic in South Africa

Community discussions identify

the drivers of the spread of AIDS

World AIDS Day may be over, but the focus on how to deal with the epidemic continues in South Africa.

This year, the South African theme for World AIDS Day was “I am responsible. We are responsible. South Africa is taking responsibility,” and the Nelson Mandela Foundation commemorated the day by hosting community conversations across the country. Men, women and youth engaged in conversation on how South Africans can take responsibility for responding to the epidemic and its impact.

Groups discussed misconceptions surrounding HIV AIDS, particularly the belief that raping a virgin “cures” HIV. Some of the main drivers of the epidemic identified were substance abuse, prostitution and incest, which contribute significantly to the spread of the virus. It was also felt that a sense of community and ubuntu (“caring for one another”) had been lost, leading to increased stigmatization of those who were HIV positive.

Emphasis was placed on encouraging strong family and community value systems, establishing support groups and offering an integrated approach to HIV counseling and testing that would include family testing.

Read more here about how these discussion help to increase awareness and bring about change in communities affected by HIV/AIDS.

Source: The Nelson Mandela Foundation

World AIDS Day ~ December 1st

This year's World AIDS Day theme is 'Universal Access and Human Rights'. With an estimated 33.4 million people living with HIV, including 2.1 million children, December 1st is a reminder that HIV remains a threat to men, women and children, worldwide.

Wearing the 46664 Bangle is a daily reminder of social issues such as poverty, hunger and HIV prevention. Nelson Mandela's words, "It's in our hands", encourage us to make a difference.

• In Botswana, 23.9% of adults are now infected with HIV
• In South Africa, 18.1% are infected with HIV
• With a total of around 5.7 million infected, South Africa has more people living with HIV than any other country
  

These shocking statistics from AVERT are Africa-centric, but HIV AIDS is a global issue. There are currently more than one million people living with HIV and AIDS in America and around a fifth of these are unaware of their infection, posing a high risk of onward transmission.

This World AIDS day, see what you can do to take action against HIV AIDS.

To join the global discussion about HIV AIDS, visit these Facebook communities: Red Ribbon Army and World AIDS Day.

It's In Our Hands To Make A Difference

In the words of Nelson Mandela, “It is in your hands”. Every individual has the power to make a difference, no matter how small it may seem.

46664 was Nelson Mandela’s prisoner number and is now an official, global HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention campaign, inspiring individual and collective action towards an AIDS-free world.

The 46664 Bangle is the official wrist bracelet in support of this campaign, making a difference in the lives of others through the manufacturing of these beautiful pieces of jewelry in South Africa. Wearing a copper bracelet may not seem like a significant gesture, but each 46664 Bangle generates income in South Africa for communities where it’s most needed. Wearing a 46664 Bangle also serves as a daily reminder of the difference one person can make in the lives of others.

At its core, the 46664 campaign is about bringing hope and inspiration to all affected by HIV/AIDS. 46664 also raises awareness about social responsibility issues such as poverty, lack of education, gender inequality, lack of access to health facilities and the denial of economic opportunities.

46664 uses the universal connecting power of music, sport, entertainment and celebrity to educate, engage and empower those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, and draws upon an extensive global network of ambassadors and celebrities to raise funds for the many projects it supports.

The 46664 Bangle - it’s on your wrist, and it’s in your hands.