WORLD AIDS DAY 2011: WINNIPEG GROUPS CALL FOR HUMAN RIGHTS BASED APPROACH TO HIV & AIDS

December 1st marks World AIDS Day, an internationally recognised day to bring attention to the global HIV& AIDS pandemic and stand in solidarity with people living with HIV & AIDS. A coalition of Winnipeg organizations will host an event marking World AIDS Day 2011 at the West End Cultural Centre on December 1, 2011, 7:30pm- 9:30pm. The event will highlight both international and local HIV issues.

2011 marks 30 years since the first case of AIDS was diagnosed. Today an estimated 34 million people worldwide are living with HIV and 7000 people are newly infected every day. Since 1981 an estimated 30 million people have died of AIDS related causes. Despite the development of life saving medications, one person still dies of AIDS related causes every 20 seconds.

Winnipeg organisers of World AIDS Day 2011 event, titled Global Village, Local voices, aim to bring attention to these and other issues relating to HIV. The event, a dynamic and engaging multi-media extravaganza, will showcase the different ways individuals are responding to HIV both in Manitoba and across the globe. The evening will feature speakers at the forefront of responding to HIV, an artist’s corner showcasing works created by Manitoban artists about HIV, musical entertainment, story tellers and the unveiling of the Manitoba HIV Memorial & Prevention quilt. To submit art for display please see the call to artists below.

Other World AIDS Day related events include a pancake breakfast and vigil at the Broadway Neighbourhood Centre on the morning of December 1^st as well an announcement of the Spread Awareness Contest Winners, a video contest currently being run by HOT103 live and Nine Circles Community Health Centre. To learn more about the contest visit www.spreadawareness.ca 

All events will draw attention to the ongoing inequalities that exist in HIV responses, both locally and internationally. Event organizers challenge attendees to advocate for approaches to HIV that are developed through a human rights lens and place equitable access to care at the fore-front.

All World AIDS Day 2011 events are free and everyone is welcome. To learn more about all World AIDS Day events please call 204-940-6000.

-30-

World AIDS Day 2011 Poster

WAD 2011 General Info

Call to Artists