Written by Maureen Troy
Broadcast on KSRW TV33 on November 29th, 2004

Problems of the world come into our homes every night on cable news channels. Unfortunately, an ongoing problem that seems to have been brushed aside by the media is the continuing devastation of AIDS and HIV. On Wednesday, World AIDs Day will be observed around the world.

Started in 1988, World AIDS Day is not just about raising money, but also about raising awareness, education and fighting prejudice. World AIDS Day also reminds people that HIV has not gone away, and that there are many things still to be done.

According to UN-AIDS estimates, there were 37.2 million adults and 2.2 million children living with HIV at the end of 2004. Also during 2004, 4.9 million new people became infected with the virus.

"Women, Girls, HIV and AIDS" is the theme of the 2004 World AIDS day. Students at Bishop Union High School helped to create a Public Service Announcement encouraging our community to support World Aids Day. One of the most shocking statistics the students found was that by 2010, Africa will be home to an estimated 50 million orphans, the orphans having lost parents to AIDS.

  If you'd like to support World AIDs Day, the Inyo County Health and Human services will host a community event at the Inyo Council for the Arts, from 6 to 8 PM. The event will include a short film presentation and student art display.

For more information please contact Sue at Inyo County Health, 873-3914.