Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2000. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Associated Press - Thursday, Nov. 30, 2000
Naomi Koppel, Associated Press Writer
"Broadly speaking, men are expected to be physically strong, emotionally robust, daring and virile. Some of these expectations translate into ways of thinking and behaving that endanger the health and well-being of men and their sex partners," the United Nations AIDS agency said in a statement.
Campaigners planned marches, vigils, religious services, promotions and entertainment events to bring home the importance of AIDS awareness. This year's theme is "Men make a difference."
"Men can make a particular difference - by being more caring, by taking fewer risks, and by facing the issue of AIDS head-on, U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan said in a statement.
"Until and unless we grasp that AIDS is our problem, we will be blind to the steps we need to take to protect ourselves and others against it. We will be powerless to reduce its impact. This applies as much to a leader planning the allocation of national resources as it does to a husband planning his future with his wife or a father planning for the future of his child."
According to a U.N. report issued this week, 36.1 million people are living with HIV/AIDS worldwide, and there will be 5.3 million new infections during 2000. It is expected that 3 million people will die from AIDS, 80 percent of them in Africa.
The Russian Health Ministry said Thursday that nearly as many HIV cases were recorded this year as in the past 13 years altogether and that the disease posed a risk to the entire nation. It said 90 percent of new infections registered were among intravenous drug users.
In Nairobi, Kenya, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies appealed for $10.5 million to ensure that its 2 million volunteers can make house-to-house calls in a decade-long campaign to raise AIDS awareness in Africa.
It accompanied the appeal with what it termed "a frank admission" that it has not been doing enough to deal with the epidemic in Asia.
Rock 'n' roll concerts are planned in China, Russia, Ukraine, Haiti, Laos and Belize to mark World AIDS Day. In the Rwandan capital, Kigali, children from all the schools in the city will attend a gathering in the main stadium.
On the Pacific island of Guam, the "Light Up in Solidarity" campaign calls on everyone to drive with their lights on for the day.
Sanatha Jayasuriya, the captain of the Sri Lankan cricket team, will be invested as the latest Goodwill Ambassador for UNAIDS in a ceremony in Colombo. In Oslo, Norway, a torchlight parade will be held.
International music channel MTV is broadcasting "Staying Alive," a 30-minute documentary on HIV/AIDS hosted by singer Ricky Martin. "AIDS continues to be a serious issue, and there is still a lot of work to be done to raise awareness around the world," said Martin.
Other celebrities, including soccer star Ronaldo and rock group UB40 have joined in with messages of solidarity.
"If I am disappointed with a tape, we shoot it again," said actor Danny Glover. "But with AIDS, the movie's over. It's up to you and me to break the silence."
001130
AP001124
Copyright © 2000 - Associated Press. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the AP Permissions Desk.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2000. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2000. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .