World AIDS

December 1st is World AIDS Day.

World AIDS day was conceived and adopted unanimously by 140 countries meeting at the World Summit of Ministers of Health on AIDS, London in January 1988. The day was envisaged as an opportunity for governments, national AIDS programs, non-governmental and local organizations, as well as individuals everywhere, to demonstrate both the importance they attached to the fight against AIDS and their solidarity in this effort. 
Today around forty million people are living with HIV throughout the world including 2.3 million children.  During 2005 some 4.1 million people became newly infected with the virus - and that number increases in every region every day. Around half of all people who become infected with HIV do so before they are 25 years old.

It is up to all of us to stop the spread of HIV and end prejudice. World AIDS Day is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV and AIDS.   Thousands of campaigners around the world host local and national events to raise awareness of HIV and call on leaders to keep the promises they have made to tackle the AIDS pandemic.

Each year, Canticle Ministries hold a service at the chapel of the Wheaton Franciscan Sisters Motherhouse. We take time to remember those who have passed before us, and those who continue to live with HIV/AIDS. We also use the service to rededicate ourselves to our work, and to pay attention to all that we have to be thankful for as we continue striving to meet the needs and challenges that HIV presents to us each year. For information or if you would like to get involved in any way, please contact us at 630-588-9165.