In 1988, December 1st was named World AIDS Day to raise awareness, strengthen commitment and facilitate global partnerships to eliminate HIV.
According to the World Economic Forum (2023), global efforts have led to positive strides in the battle against HIV and new infections decreased by 38% from 2.1 million in 2010 to 1.3 million in 2
In 1988, December 1st was named World AIDS Day to raise awareness, strengthen commitment and facilitate global partnerships to eliminate HIV.
According to the World Economic Forum (2023), global efforts have led to positive strides in the battle against HIV and new infections decreased by 38% from 2.1 million in 2010 to 1.3 million in 2022. AIDS-related mortality has decreased by 69% in 2022 from its peak in 2004 and since 2010, new infections among children have declined by 58% in 2022. The same year, about 29.8 million persons living with HIV were receiving ART.
Despite such progress, there are several unmet needs and the pandemic is far from over. There is inequitable progress across regions, particularly in low and middle-income countries. More than two-thirds of people living with HIV worldwide are in Africa, where there is a prevalence rate of 3.2 per 100 people. The pandemic also seems to
Despite such progress, there are several unmet needs and the pandemic is far from over. There is inequitable progress across regions, particularly in low and middle-income countries. More than two-thirds of people living with HIV worldwide are in Africa, where there is a prevalence rate of 3.2 per 100 people. The pandemic also seems to be on the rise in parts of Eastern Europe, mainly among injected drug users. An estimated 9.2 million are still deprived of ART, most in low and middle-income countries.
In 2022, there were 1.3 million new infections and about 630,000 deaths due to AIDS, representing a decline but still significant in number. The number of older people living with HIV has increased from 5.4 million in 2015 to 8.1 millionin 2020, which brings additional challenges in terms of stigma and discrimination. Of great concern is that in 2022, about 130,000 new infections were reported in children.
Here are a few ways to end myths about HIV/AIDS infections and stop the spread:
Here are a few ways to end myths about HIV/AIDS infections and stop the spread:
To stop the spread of HIV/AIDS through education and prevention by building an extensive network for excellent health and wellness in the community.
To educate faith leaders about HIV/AIDS and other health issues that affect their communities and build a network for excellent health for all people.
After noticing a limited number of faith leaders involved in HIV/AIDS ministry, Rev. Stan Stephens started West Side Pastors Coalition for AIDS & Inner-City Health in 1995. WSPCA has endeavored for 25 years to provide resources and create linkages between the faith and health communities to end the stigma and spread of HIV/AIDS.
The Coalition believes strongly in education and prevention while increasing compassion and non-judgmental care. We provide resources to pastoral care, support groups, grief counseling and continue to build faith-based health ministries. We also promote faith community involvement in HIV testing.
Other health issues that impact poor communities and are often overlooked include Heart Disease, Cancer, Diabetes, Obesity, Stroke and Hypertension. The Coalition supports programs in the community that address these concerns.
Some ways we impact include:
The Annual Back to School (B2S) Health & Resource Fair targets our youth and promotes HIV awareness with the use of entertainment, refreshments, and speakers providing free school supplies to those in attendance.
Clergy Breakfasts brings to together clergy and laypersons, health care professionals, civic leaders, community members, and nonprofit representatives to fellowship in topical discussion around HIV/AIDS. It is held in conjunction with National HIV Testing Day in June each year.
HIV Counseling and Support through our relationship with the Ruth M. Rothstein CORE Center.
Community Partnerships with West Suburban Medical Center, Loretto Hospital, McCormick Theological Seminary, AIDS Foundation of Chicago, BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois, Getting to Zero IL, Sinai Health and more!
HIV Screening Resource by providing HIV screening services to the faith community and the community-at-large
Faith Leader Symposiums/Trainings are designed to provide continuing education credits through pastoral education around HIV/AIDS.
WSPCA partnered with West Suburban Medical Center in response to the COVID-19 pandemic by providing free face masks, hand sanitizer and delicious pre-cooked frozen meals. It was held Saturday, October 17, in the East Parking lot at WSMC. 200 meals were distributed to families in the Austin community.
Getting to Zero Illinois is a state-wide initiative to end the HIV epidemic in the state by 2030.
West Side Pastors' Coalition for AIDS and Inner-City Health is a 501(c)3 tax deductible organization committed to linking the faith community, health care industry, and nonprofit sector in the call to end the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our mission to end the spread of HIV/AIDS in our communities.
Thank you for your generous donations to further our work.
