On December 1, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) will join the world in celebrating World AIDS Day, a day aimed to increase awareness about the scourge of HIV and AIDS.

ADRA has also released an awareness kit addressing the tragedies caused by the HIV and AIDS epidemic, both in the U.S. and around the globe. The theme for this year’s kit is “Learn. Care. Act!” The kit includes a World AIDS Day poster, sermon/presentation outline, activity ideas, facts, stories, and a discussion and activity guide for youth. The materials aim to foster activism, and provide critical information to help win the fight against HIV and AIDS around the world.

“Information circles the globe at lightning speed,” said Charles Sandefur, president of ADRA International. “Yet the fear, misinformation, and stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS prevail for many people, crowding out truth and hope for those who lack communal support and resources…but hope can come through our action”.

In 2004, an estimated 39.4 million adults and children worldwide lived with HIV or AIDS. 4.9 million of them were infected just last year, said Sandefur. That same year, we lost 3.1 million adults and children to AIDS.

ADRA is also distributing World AIDS Day red ribbons to those who are interested in supporting World AIDS Day. “The ribbons are a symbol of knowledge, concern, action, and commitment to those impacted by HIV and AIDS,” commented Sandefur.

ADRA is also providing an upfront look at the war on HIV and AIDS, through its informative video or DVD, “The Face of AIDS”. It can be used to raise awareness on HIV and AIDS, and ADRA’s response to the pandemic.

The awareness kit, World AIDS Day ribbons, or "The Face of AIDS", can be ordered online at www.adra.org . Orders must be placed at least 15 days in advance to provide sufficient time to arrive before World AIDS Day.

ADRA has been involved in the fight against HIV and AIDS for over a decade, educating individuals on treatment, care and prevention. ADRA also teaches communities how to address the stigma associated with HIV and AIDS, providing care for children who have been orphaned by the disease, and promoting better health care for those who suffer from HIV and AIDS, helping them to lead longer, more productive lives.

ADRA is present in 125 countries, providing community development and emergency management without regard to political or religious association, age, or ethnicity.

Additional information about ADRA can be found at www.adra.org