World AIDS Day, Dec. 1, commemorates the theme of universal access and human rights. Promotion and protection of human rights is vital in creating an effective HIV & AIDS response as we must empower individuals and communities to respond to the pandemic.
“The incidence and spread of HIV/AIDS are disproportionately high among groups who already suffer from a lack of human rights protection,” says the Program on International Health & Human Rights. Thus, as people of faith, we must break down the barriers of stigma and discrimination so that all persons feel safe and have access to treatment, testing, care, and support.
“I am living my rights” is a key slogan for World AIDS Day 2010. Campaign slogans, such as this year’s “Light for Rights,” are used to hold governments accountable for their HIV & AIDS-related commitments.
ZOE Ministry is one way we in the NC Conference have responded to the devastation of AIDS. We have sought to care for the most vulnerable victims — the children. ZOE Ministry represents your hands, feet, heart, and hope with children in Africa who have been so deeply affected by AIDS. Learn more how you can join with this critical ministry please see ZOE – Empowering Orphans in Africa.
ZOE is part of the NC Conference Rainbow Covenant and is an Advance of the United Methodist Church.
Learn more about the United Methodist response to World AIDS Day!