Community, church and advocacy leaders gather on world AIDS day to 'keep the promise'
Barbara Agnew
Website: http://www.nwmedicalteams.org
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More than 70 international and regional representatives meet Dec. 1 at Northwest Medical Teams to commemorate World AIDS Day. The theme of this year's international focus is "Stop AIDS, Keep the Promise," an exhortation to political, community and healthcare leaders to boost funding, education and research for a disease that has killed more than 25 million people since 1981.
World AIDS Day speakers include Amon Munyaneza, founder of the Africa Mission Alliance; Shannon Meehan, advocacy director for the International Rescue Committee; and David Alula, Uganda health manager for Northwest Medical Teams. Presentations are from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Munyaneza, a Ugandan born Rwandan citizen, will address the impact of AIDS on the African family and community. Munyaneza has spent most of his life living in communities hard hit by AIDS. His organization focuses on end of life services, home-based care, and counseling for those living with HIV and AIDS.
Meehan, a former consultant for Refugees International and the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, will discuss the unique challenges relief organizations face as well as innovative approaches for implementing HIV and AIDS programs in areas of conflict.
Alula, who has led Northwest Medical Teams' HIV and AIDS programs in northern Uganda, will explain the social, cultural and economic factors driving the epidemic in northern Uganda. He will also address the needs of Ugandan youth and how our projects are preventing the spread of HIV and addressing the needs for care.
Video of the speakers is available for media. A report of findings from the Portland church discussion is also available. For more info., call Barbara Agnew, 503.341.6620.
Following the international presentations, speakers with Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon's HIV Services, and Imago Dei Portland Fellowship's HIV/AIDS ministries will address, "HIV and AIDS: Challenges and Programs in the Portland Community," from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
More than 25 local churches and their representatives will talk about the role of church organizations in Portland and ways they can respond locally and globally. A follow-up report of findings from the church conference is available by request.
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