World AIDS Day Brings People Together

Yesterday was World AIDS Day and marked the thirtieth anniversary of the world's recognition of AIDS. Millions of people came together to support the 33.3 million people battling AIDS around the world, to show our support and help end the negative stigmas surrounding HIV and AIDS. At Firelight, we saw a lot of support around World AIDS Day.

The ABC Million Moms Challenge featured a story about Firelight Foundation and its founder Kerry Olson. From Different Corners of the World: Mothers Make a Difference is Kerry's personal story about starting Firelight Foundation to support the many African leaders who are working to fight AIDS in their communities. Leaders like Elizabeth Mwenya, a mother who when she found out she was HIV positive, dedicated her life to helping other mothers get tested and get treated. The Million Moms challenge is a campaign launched by ABC to raise awareness about global maternal and infant health and it's brought a lot of people together to support mothers and their children in countries where support is needed most.

Another World AIDS Day special featured Firelight's Executive Director, Peter Laugharn. Dorothy Fadmin is a filmmaker and activist who produced documentaries about the impact of HIV and AIDS in Ethiopia. She produced a World AIDS Day special that included a discussion with Peter and Amber Stime, the Founder and Executive Director of African Cradle.

We heard from many people about the small and large actions they took to join the fight against AIDS on this World AIDS Day. We hope you were one of them and felt the support of your community.

In solidarity!

The Firelight Team