July 23, 2014 at 2:10 p.m.
World AIDS Day planned
Editor's Mailbag
By To the editor:-
Today the citizens of the world find themselves continuing to combat a fearless and tiresome foe. The world’s leaders have been dealing with this advisory since 1981 and it was identified in 1983. AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is caused by an infection known as HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). If you remember nothing else about these two acronyms, remember that they are acquired and that they are a human infection/disease. They are not caused by or spread by insects/mosquitoes, simians/apes or cats/felines. The latter of these groups also have their own variety of AIDS and can only be passed within their own species.
Now, for over two decades the world leaders, and all who work so diligently in the HIV/AIDS arena find themselves with the highest rate of new infections and deaths since the pandemic started in the early 1980s. Yes, people are still dying and becoming infected today, and not just overseas but right here in the United States, in Indiana and right here in our own region of the world.
Medications are indeed available to help those living with HIV/AIDS try to lead a more normal healthier life, but they are far from the answer. There is still no cure, no immunization and not enough funding to help all those who are in need. These truly are becoming desperate times for many who are trying to help make a difference for those who are living and dying with HIV/AIDS.
The Joint United Nations on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) is once again calling on all citizens of the world, to increase communication, education and action to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS worldwide. Over 45 million people have been diagnosed with AIDS, and children under the age of 15 account for over 3.5 million of those cases. This does not reflect the number of HIV cases, as those are not tracked and recorded in the same manner as AIDS. UNAIDS has declared annually December 1st as World AIDS Day, and it will once again be observed in 2004.
The Jay County AIDS Task Force, Inc. (ATFECI), is humbled and honored to be able to continue its mission of providing support for those living with HIV/AIDS , their family, friends, and loved ones, providing prevention education and awareness programs, providing direct client services, and referring clients to other organizations to have their needs met. The organization was started 10 years ago last month by the courageous and spirited efforts of its founder — John W. Moser, who lost his battle to AIDS on September 24, 2000, and also by the founding Board of Directors. Without their help, vision and inspiration the JCATF would not be here today.
In celebration of the memory and the continuation of providing free and confidential services to community members of this region, the JCATF, Inc.-ATFECI has an anniversary theme for the year — that theme being Hope, Faith and Love. Life in God’s Service. Some passages from Romans 12: 6-21. “So we are to use our different gifts in accordance with the grace that God has given us. If our gift is to speak God’s message, we should do it according to the faith that we have; if it is to serve, we should serve; if it is to teach, we should teach; if it is to encourage others, we should do so. Whoever shares with others should do it generously; whoever has authority should work hard; whoever shows kindness to others should do it cheerfully. Love must be completely sincere. Have the same concern for everyone. Do not be proud but accept humble duties. Do everything possible on your part to live in peace with everybody.”
As the scripture says, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for by doing this you will make him burn with shame. Do not let evil defeat you; instead, conquer evil with good.”
Hope, Faith and Love: We ask everyone to remember these three simple words on December 1st. Keep all people living and suffering with HIV/AIDS, their loved ones and those trying to make a difference in this world in your prayers and thoughts, lend a helping hand; and give complete and sincere love to all people — one day at a time.
Peace and Serenity,
Jack James II
Executive Director/
Program Manager
JCATF, Inc.- ATFECI[[In-content Ad]]
Now, for over two decades the world leaders, and all who work so diligently in the HIV/AIDS arena find themselves with the highest rate of new infections and deaths since the pandemic started in the early 1980s. Yes, people are still dying and becoming infected today, and not just overseas but right here in the United States, in Indiana and right here in our own region of the world.
Medications are indeed available to help those living with HIV/AIDS try to lead a more normal healthier life, but they are far from the answer. There is still no cure, no immunization and not enough funding to help all those who are in need. These truly are becoming desperate times for many who are trying to help make a difference for those who are living and dying with HIV/AIDS.
The Joint United Nations on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) is once again calling on all citizens of the world, to increase communication, education and action to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS worldwide. Over 45 million people have been diagnosed with AIDS, and children under the age of 15 account for over 3.5 million of those cases. This does not reflect the number of HIV cases, as those are not tracked and recorded in the same manner as AIDS. UNAIDS has declared annually December 1st as World AIDS Day, and it will once again be observed in 2004.
The Jay County AIDS Task Force, Inc. (ATFECI), is humbled and honored to be able to continue its mission of providing support for those living with HIV/AIDS , their family, friends, and loved ones, providing prevention education and awareness programs, providing direct client services, and referring clients to other organizations to have their needs met. The organization was started 10 years ago last month by the courageous and spirited efforts of its founder — John W. Moser, who lost his battle to AIDS on September 24, 2000, and also by the founding Board of Directors. Without their help, vision and inspiration the JCATF would not be here today.
In celebration of the memory and the continuation of providing free and confidential services to community members of this region, the JCATF, Inc.-ATFECI has an anniversary theme for the year — that theme being Hope, Faith and Love. Life in God’s Service. Some passages from Romans 12: 6-21. “So we are to use our different gifts in accordance with the grace that God has given us. If our gift is to speak God’s message, we should do it according to the faith that we have; if it is to serve, we should serve; if it is to teach, we should teach; if it is to encourage others, we should do so. Whoever shares with others should do it generously; whoever has authority should work hard; whoever shows kindness to others should do it cheerfully. Love must be completely sincere. Have the same concern for everyone. Do not be proud but accept humble duties. Do everything possible on your part to live in peace with everybody.”
As the scripture says, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for by doing this you will make him burn with shame. Do not let evil defeat you; instead, conquer evil with good.”
Hope, Faith and Love: We ask everyone to remember these three simple words on December 1st. Keep all people living and suffering with HIV/AIDS, their loved ones and those trying to make a difference in this world in your prayers and thoughts, lend a helping hand; and give complete and sincere love to all people — one day at a time.
Peace and Serenity,
Jack James II
Executive Director/
Program Manager
JCATF, Inc.- ATFECI[[In-content Ad]]
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