Silver Spring, Maryland—As December 1 nears, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is preparing for the annual commemoration of World AIDS Day, an international day of action against the HIV and AIDS epidemic around the world. ADRA's theme for 2006, "AIDS can be stopped only when we realize it's everyone's challenge," encourages people everywhere to realize the disease affects everyone, no matter their age, gender, or lifestyle.

World AIDS Day, which was established by the World Health Organization in 1988, serves to bring increased attention to the crippling effects of the HIV and AIDS epidemic. This day provides an opportunity for governments, organizations, businesses, and individuals to unite in the fight against HIV and AIDS.

Worldwide, nearly 39 million people are living with HIV or full-blown AIDS. Since its official recognition in 1981, the disease has killed more than 25 million people.

Since 1985, ADRA has been involved in the fight against HIV and AIDS, raising awareness and educating individuals and communities on how to treat, care for, and prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS. ADRA also teaches communities how to address the stigma and prejudice that often comes with the disease, and provides care for the children who have been orphaned by it. In addition, ADRA promotes better health care for those who suffer from the disease, helping them to lead longer, more productive lives.

"Every year, World AIDS Day strengthens my personal commitment to take proactive action to prevent the disease, and to care for and support people living with HIV or AIDS," says Mike Negerie, DrPh, ADRA's regional technical manager for health in Africa. "It is because of this same conviction that ADRA, as an organization, has taken steps to fully engage in response to HIV and AIDS around the globe, particularly in understanding the pandemic, preventing its spread, and caring for those with the disease with utmost compassion and love," Negerie explains.

As a public service, ADRA distributes an awareness kit each year designed to help readers learn more, care more, and do more about the disease and get involved in the fight against HIV and AIDS. The kit offers a wealth of resources to help churches and community or school groups to get the facts and get involved in the global effort to stop AIDS. The kit includes ADRA's World AIDS Day poster and program guides—complete with sermon/presentation outlines, activity ideas, stories, facts, and a separate discussion and activity guide for youth.

In addition, visitors to ADRA's Web site (www.adra.org) will find a selection of exclusive online resources, including feature stories and audio interviews with ADRA staff detailing how ADRA is working around the world to stop the spread of HIV and AIDS.

ADRA also offers commemorative red ribbons for those who want to show their support of World AIDS Day. Since 1991, the red ribbon has been a symbol worldwide of AIDS awareness, worn as a sign of support for those living with HIV or AIDS.

ADRA's World AIDS Day resources, including the awareness kit, ribbons, and more, are available by request. Call 1.800.424.ADRA (2372), or request online at www.adra.org. Orders must be placed 10 days in advance (longer for overseas requests) to provide sufficient time for delivery. All resources are available free of charge.

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

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

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Media Contact: Nadia McGill ADRA International 12501 Old Columbia Pike Silver Spring, MD 20904 Phone: 301.680.5145 E-mail: Media.Inquiries@adra.org

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