AIDS
Because it's where our kids are currently living, I've taken it upon myself to find out as much about Africa (and, of course, Ethiopia) as possible. Consequently we're amassing quite a little African video library.
Invisible Children
Darfur Diaries
Ghosts of Rwanda
Hotel Rwanda
Sometimes in April
Any other suggestions???
Africa's a rough place to live. War. Drought. Oppression. Corruption. Poverty. AIDS.
Tonight we watched Dear Francis. It documents the AIDS crisis in Swaziland, a tiny country of 1 million on the border of South Africa. AIDS is decimating their country.
- 53% of those between the ages of 15-23 are HIV positive. (yes, that's 53%!!!)
- There are currently 67,000 AIDS orphans. Experts project this number to increase to over 120,000 within the next 4-5 years (in a country of 1 million!!!)
- It is projected that 88% of current 15-year-old boys will be dead by 2015 because of AIDS.
Of course, we're interested specifically in Ethiopia. Of the 4.9 million orphans in Ethiopia, 744,000 are AIDS orphans. 3.5% of Ethiopia's population is infected with AIDS (that's 1.3 million people - and virtually the same percentage as Swaziland 10 years ago).
Source: Ethiopia AIDS Resource Center
This is THE humanitarian crisis of our generation. We've gotta do something, don't you think?
posted by HawkOsky @ 11:29 PM
2 Comments
2 Comments:
It only provides a band aid effect if that, but their are many wothy organizations that help fight the AIDS problem (its bigger than that). Ironically many of them use Bono from the band U2 or other celebs like Oprah as their spokespeople. These celebs are very involved in spreading the word about Africa's many problems. The first organizatoin is called "ONE". This organization deals spesifically with AIDS and famine in Africa. to find out mor visit www.one.org
The second organization is called "Project Red". This organization has pertnered with companies like Motorola and The Gap to raise money to fight AIDS in Africa. To find out more visit www.joinred.com
The Constant Gardener
It is a great Movie.
True story.
I can honestly say the Name Wanza Kalulu has been in my heart for months since I saw this film.
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