Ceremony to commemorate World AIDS Day

Ceremony to commemorate World AIDS DayNovember 29, 2005

A special ceremony will be held on the steps of Hendricks Chapel at Syracuse University on Thursday, Dec. 1, to observe World AIDS Day.

Three principal units of the Syracuse University Division of Student Affairs-Health Services; the Rape: Advocacy, Prevention and Education (R.A.P.E.) Center; and the Substance Abuse Prevention and Health Enhancement (SAPHE) Office-are co-sponsoring the event. The ceremony will begin at 12:30 p.m., and will consist of a red ribbon ceremony, including a moment of silence, to honor those lost to the disease.

There are currently 38 million adults and 2.3 million children living with HIV.

World AIDS Day is an annual international event. It celebrates the progress that has been made in the battle against the AIDS epidemic, raises awareness about remaining challenges and reaffirms dedication to combating AIDS.

This year’s theme is “Make the Promise: STOP AIDS.” The World AIDS Campaign 2005 addresses how each person can help stop the spread of HIV and reduce the impact of AIDS. As the campaign emphasizes, “You don’t have to be a top scientist working on a cure to make a difference. Protecting yourself and others from HIV infection, welcoming someone living with HIV into your life or even just talking about HIV and AIDS can help.”