More than 33 million people around the world now live with AIDS, killing over 330,000 children last year alone. In the UK, more than 80,000 people live with HIV, and about a third don’t even realise it.
Still no cure
Over 7,700 new cases were diagnosed last year in Britain alone and yet there remains no cure or vaccine for AIDS, only treatments which slow the course of the disease. There are some drugs which reduce the mortality of those infected with HIV, but they are expensive and not routinely available in every country.
Life saving drugs
"Having visited South Africa and Swaziland earlier this summer I urge you all to sign the petition and get involved in some way today on World AIDS Day (1 December). No matter how small, we need to show world leaders that students here and abroad will simply not stand by as people are denied access to life saving drugs," says Susan Nash NUS' Co-convener of the Society and Citizenship Zone.
Get involved
NUS in partnership with Stop Aids is pushing for the patent pool. Patent pools can lower the cost of life-saving HIV medicines whilst ensuring that companies are rewarded for developing new drugs. Patent pools mean pharmaceutical companies allow generic versions of their drugs to be produced in return for a fair royalty. If introduced this could help millions around the world access the medicines they need to stay alive.
Join NUS in putting pressure on world leaders to Stop AIDS. Throughout December we shall be working with ACTSA to raise the profile of their campaigns and concerns related to HIV/AIDS in Southern Africa. Join us for one of the events. Even if you are not able to attend our events there is plenty to do from simply filling out the petition to getting involved in your local Stop AIDS group.
Let us know if you have Stop Aids activities going on at your campuses. You can send us your comments and upload your pictures by using the Respond tool. If you haven't already done so, you will need to register first, it will only take a couple of minutes.
Further information:
ACTSA events