To paint a more accurate picture of the AIDS pandemic, and to prevent the spread of stereotypes, CRWRC has included photos in this presentation of people that may not be infected with or affected by HIV and AIDS. For this reason, some CRWRC home office staff have included their photographs among the images. This also serves as a reminder that no one is unaffected by HIV and AIDS. No one is unaffected by HIV and AIDS.

What does it mean

to Embrace AIDS?

It means to count poverty and injustice as causes

and symptoms

of the spread of HIV.

Group of five siblings, ages 4-10 years, Sichei, Kenya. The children have been cared for by an aunt and uncle since their parents died from AIDS-related illnesses. The HIV status of the children is currently unknown.

It means to see our similarities

respect our differences

and look on everyone with the same compassion as Jesus Christ.

Dickson Metto, 55 at his wife Esther’s grave site, western Kenya. Esther died of AIDS related illnesses on November 25, Dickson earns less than a dollar a day selling maize, and struggles to send his children to secondary school. He contracted HIV from his wife.

It’s to learn more and speak out

to stop the pain

of stigma and discrimination.

Rose Mbone, 38 and her youngest daughter, Ann, 4 years, Kisii, Kenya. Rose contracted HIV from her husband, who has since passed away. Ann has not yet been tested for HIV.

It’s caring for people whose lives are turned upside down by HIV

even though they’re not infected.

Kevin Wanyayi, 26, Sichei, Kenya. Both Kevin’s parents died from AIDS related illnesses, leaving Kevin to care for his eight siblings. Neither Kevin nor his brothers and sisters have HIV, but the effect of their parents’ deaths continues to make poverty an issue.

It’s to accept our place as part of the cause

to take our place as part of the solution

and remember we are all in need of a Savior.

Taprandich Kigen, born circa 1940, resident of Western Kenya. Taprandich believes she contracted HIV by not using gloves while delivering babies in her role as a traditional birth attendant. Her adult son, whom she adopted as a young boy orphaned by AIDS, recently died from AIDS-related causes.

To Embrace AIDS

is to love.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these. - Mark 12:30-32, TNIV HIV AND AIDS

This day

we honour

World AIDS Day.

Please join CRWRC

in prayer and contemplation

as we launch our two-year campaign

A two-year journey toward greater

compassion

determination

and

action

Credit: Wendy Hammond, September 2007

and a commitment to stand together

to help put an end to HIV and AIDS.

Please join us.