United Methodist Global AIDS Fund

AIDS is a Global Problem 4O million people worldwide have HIV/AIDS. Every minute, 5 people die from AIDS. 9 people are infected with HIV every minute.

African countries Kenya 1.2 million adults and 100,000 kids are HIV positive. 650,000 children are orphans. Tanzania 1.5 million adults and 140,000 kids are HIV positive. 980,000 children are orphans.

AIDS is a Local Problem United States: 1,100,000 people Arizona: 11,000 people Pima County: 2,000 people

United Methodist Global AIDS Fund Established in 2004 UMCOR Advance #982345 Set goal of raising $8 million by 2008 This represents $1 for every member This translates to a goal of $44,000 for the Desert Southwest Conference

Where will the money go?? Education Programs Prevention Programs Testing and Treatment Programs Orphans & Vulnerable Children Programs Local HIV/AIDS Work

Education Programs In countries with high levels of illiteracy and poverty, accurate healthcare information is difficult to come by. These programs educate U.S. citizens about the HIV virus and how it is transmitted. These people are then sent out to teach others both locally and abroad.

Prevention Programs For $10, a pregnant woman can receive an anti-retroviral drug which will prevent transmission of HIV to her child. This program is currently funding the distribution of this drug in Zimbabwe. Eventually, this program will be replicated in other countries.

Testing & Treatment Programs The United Methodist Hospital in Mozambique was recently recognized as one of the best in the country. Volunteer mission teams are developing centers for testing and treatment. Programs are also training family members to provide home care for loved ones living with AIDS.

Chicuque Hospital, Mozambique “Kneeling beside him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with medicine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him.” Luke 10:34

Orphans and Vulnerable Children Programs 3,000 children, orphaned because of AIDS, are provided with education, nutrition, and healthcare. Programs are currently in place in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and Liberia.

Local HIV/AIDS Work 25% of funds raised will be designated for ministries within our Conference. Funds will be used for ministries such as Strength for the Journey, an annual spiritual retreat sponsored by our Conference for persons with HIV/AIDS and their caregivers, as well as for grants that individual churches can apply for.

Paul’s Words Galatians 4:13-14 “Surely you remember that I was sick when I first brought you the Good News of Christ. But even though my sickness was revolting to you, you did not reject me and turn me away. No, you took me in and cared for me as though I were an angel or even Christ Jesus himself.”

There IS hope. AIDS is preventable. AIDS is treatable. All we lack is the will.