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Dear Advocates,
This update introduces some of the resources that AVAC is developing in advance of HIV Vaccine Awareness Day (HVAD), an annual observance that takes place on May 18. This update also includes details on a global advocates' webinar—HIV Vaccine Awareness Day: Priorities for AIDS vaccine science and advocacy in 2012 and beyond—scheduled for 10am EDT on Friday, May 18.
Please join AVAC, fellow advocates and leaders in the AIDS vaccine field for a special HVAD webinar that will include an update on the state of the science, as well as time to discuss advocacy priorities for 2012. The one-hour webinar will begin at 10am ET on Friday, May 18 (visit www.timeanddate.com for the time in your area).
Last June, the world observed the third decade since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported the first cases of what we know today as HIV/AIDS. Despite the profound impact this disease continues to have in our communities, HIV Vaccine Awareness Day (HVAD) is a time to reflect on the remarkable progress we have made in HIV prevention research and treatment. This research involves microbicides which include gels that may be applied topically by women and men and other products containing a drug known as Tenofovir to prevent sexual HIV transmission, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), an approach that involves the use of a daily oral dose of anti-HIV drug (Truvada) taken by uninfected individuals to avoid HIV infection.
At the outset of the disease, we watched as HIV/AIDS devastated a generation of people around the world that died due to a lack of effective treatments. Little understanding of HIV also promoted a stigmatized environment that did not contribute to community involvement in research. However, tremendous progress has been made since then and communities are more engaged and proactive in the fight againstthe disease. Nonetheless, HIV remains a complex virus to battle and despite the progress we have seen, finding an HIV vaccine remains the best hope to ending it.
While research continues as a result of the commitment of scientists, communities around the world, and thousands of volunteers who participate in clinical trials, we at Minority Alliance for Advocating Community Awareness and Action (MAACA, Inc.) remain confident that finding an HIV vaccine is possible. We are one of many organizations dedicated to supporting the global efforts to fight the epidemic as we educate our local communities about the importance of ongoing HIV vaccine research.
About 30 million people globally have died as a result of HIV/AIDS and 50,000 Americans still become infected every year. In fact, 1.2 million people in the United States are living with HIV infection. African Americans, Hispanics, and gay and bisexual men represent the largest proportion of new diagnoses. To stop the spread of HIV, we must remain committed to working together educating individuals not only about preventing HIV transmission but also how they can help advance the research that may lead us to an AIDS-free generation.
Please join Minority Alliance for Advocating Community Awareness and Action (MAACA, Inc.) on May 18 as we commemorate HIV Vaccine Awareness Day and the individuals who participate in HIV vaccine trials. Without them, we would not be able to continue the search for a vaccine that works for everyone, particularly in communities most affected by the virus. HVAD Statement
May 18th is HIV Vaccine Awareness Day (HVAD). This annual observance is a day to recognize the contributions of thousands of volunteers, community members, health professionals, scientists, and governments who are committed to working together to find an HIV vaccine. Results of a recent vaccine trial and related follow-up studies have provided a promising way forward in the search for an HIV vaccine. In addition, other biomedical HIV prevention strategies such as microbicides, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and treatment as prevention have also shown great promise. While no single prevention strategy will end HIV/AIDS, HVAD underscores the importance of developing a safe and effective vaccine – our best hope to ending the epidemic. As the scientific community forges ahead in pursuit of an HIV vaccine, a variety of prevention approaches, treatment of those who are already infected, as well as community support and engagement remain essential to controlling the virus.
For more information about HIV vaccine research and other biomedical HIV prevention strategies, how you can support these efforts, and the ongoing commitment of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).
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Why is 2012 So Important?
Ending the Epidemic From Paul Kawata
The National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC)
For many years I've enjoyed sharing my thoughts with NMAC's
constituents and friends through my periodic "musings." In 2012, my
writings -- Ending the Epidemic -- will reflect NMAC's efforts to
realize its new mission and discuss the various changes brought about by
the watershed moment in which our movement finds itself. Through these
new messages, I will seek to share with all of you, more than just my
general thoughts on the status of our movement, but concrete suggestions
and analysis that, in my opinion, will position us to better achieve
the goal of ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
2012 is going to be a big year and we are going to need everyone in top form, if we are going to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
You have no idea how much I like saying "we're going to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic!" It's a dream come true. I am so
ready to make this vision a reality. I know it will take years, but
every big transformation has to start somewhere. This is our watershed
moment and I hope we're up to the task.
The importance of
this year's election cannot be overstated. The last two years have been
marred by partisan gridlock and rancor. Elections have consequences,
and now is the time for our constituents' voices to be heard. For our
community, this election is important for another reason. The
populations who are most likely to be disenfranchised – minorities and
the poor – are also the same populations that are most severely impacted
by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. We work every day to give voice to these
communities and ensure that their needs are met. This election is their
chance to speak up for themselves: at the ballot box. We should do
everything we can to help them do so.
Voting is fundamental to our democracy; however, too often CBOs don't
want to get involved. They're concerned about their 501(c)3 status.
While their trepidation is understandable, their participation is
critical. As nonprofits, we must all be careful to remain nonpartisan, but we can and should, encourage voting, whether through registering new voters and/or organizing transportation to the polls.
Nonpartisan Voter Registration
At every fundraiser, health fair, support group, coalition meeting, our
movement needs to register voters. In most states it’s a simple process.
To figure out how, go to http://register-vote.com.
Not only is voter registration important for our democracy, but
organizations that register thousands of voters become important to
mayors, city councils, governors and federal legislators. Not only are
you doing your part for democracy, but you're also building "political
capital." You never know when this will come in handy, especially as we
need additional funds to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Why This Election Is Important
Constituents, donors and clients need to know why it's important to
vote. You can't tell them who to vote for, but you can certainly educate
them about our issues. You can also share with candidates why health
care reform is important. Talk about our shared vision to end the
HIV/AIDS epidemic.
NMAC is here for support as you put together briefs for candidates on
the issues that impact your community. We have already planned a series
of issue papers that you can modify to meet your needs. Contact Kali
Lindsey (klindsey@nmac.org), NMAC's Director of Legislative and Public Affairs or Daniel Montoya (dmontoya@nmac.org),
NMAC's Deputy Executive Director if you need assistance as you develop
your organization's strategy or simiply want to know ways you can make a
difference.
Organize Transportation
We all know that access to a doctor is meaningless unless you have
transportation to get to the appointment. As a result, our community has
developed systems to get folks to their medical appointments.
Constituents, donors and clients need to understand that voting is
similarly important and your agency can help arrange transportation to
get to the polls.
Please note: You cannot use government money to organize transportation to the polls.
This is why it is vital that organizations establish diverse funding
streams to sustain their mission and work. Organizations that have a mix
of government and private support are more likely to succeed than
organizations dependent on government money alone. Organizing
transportation is a great way to create "new private donors" for your
agency. Private donors understand the value of voting. I'm available to
help strategize if you'd like: pkawata@nmac.org.
Continue to Support the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA)
While this year's election is important, it's also critical that we keep
our eye on the ball in terms of health care reform. We must continue to
support the ACA in Congress and oppose any efforts to undermine its
full implementation. This being an election year, it's possible that the
ACA will become an even more aggressive target for those looking to
score political points. We must work to ensure that the health of
millions of Americans, including the 1.1 million individuals living with
HIV or AIDS are not held hostage by political gamesmanship.
2012 is a big year. We have to a lot of work to do to get ourselves
positioned to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic. No one said ending the AIDS
epidemic would be easy. It's a struggle that will test our character and
commitment. But I have no doubt our movement is up to the challenge.
Yours in the struggle,
Paul Kawata
Executive Director
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ANNOUNCING THE 2012 EVENT
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