World AIDS Day is a day to be inspired to protect the health and well-being of ourselves and those around us through knowledge, empowerment and a commitment to respect our own bodies and our lives and those of others.
World AIDS Day has been observed on December 1st every year since its conception in 1988 at the World Summit of Ministers of Health on Programs for AIDS Prevention. Since then, it has become a program of international organizations and charities around the world.
During World AIDS Day 2006, the 20,000 member Saddleback Church in Orange County hosted an event that was attended by presidential hopeful Senator Barack Obama who set an example by being tested for HIV that day and speaking to the group.
The events are designed not only to commemorate the lives of those who have died, but to raise awareness. AIDS has killed more than 25 million people between 1981 and 2007, and an estimated 33 million people worldwide live with HIV as of 2007, making it one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history.
Despite recent, improved access to antiretroviral treatment and care in many regions of the world, the AIDS epidemic claimed an estimated 2 million lives in 2007, of which about 270,000 were children. It is a goal of World AIDS Day that people living with HIV are treated as equal citizens with respect, dignity and justice, are diagnosed early and receive the highest standards of care, and in which everyone knows how and is able to protect themselves from HIV infection
There are two World AIDS Day events in Long Beach this year, both held at the Museum of Latin American Art:
A ten-fold increase in attendance required the Long Beach AIDS Foundation to turn-away over 250 waiting in line to get into the event. This year, to keep the success going and still accommodate everyone, the program has been divided into two events starting earlier in the day.
“Act up! Mix it Up!” is Part 1 of the World AIDS Day program is in MoLAA’s Sculpture Garden from 3:30pm to 8:00pm. This portion is completely designed by student from Long Beach Unified School District, Cal State Long Beach and other youth programs. This educational event is great for the family for ages 14 and above. The program includes LIVE music and entertainment, interactive art, mural painting, games and activities and much more.
“Keeping the Promise” is Part 2 of the program. From 6:30pm to 9:00pm, this year’s multi-media event includes a fantastic 3D presentation along with other great entertainment. Every live performance, multi-media program and on-stage entertainment will be centered around learning about how HIV is affecting our community. The program includes LIVE entertainment & performances, a Multi-media video program with 3D Special Effects, Project: Red Paint Competition, Audience Participation Games and more.
Regular tickets are free on a first come, first serve basis: Long Beach AIDS Foundation (limited quantities available).