Okay, just *one* more thing first

Before I dive in to my favourite moments of 2009, I’ll ask you to join me today in marking World Aids Day.  Sometimes here in Canada it’s easy to forget about this epidemic that’s plaguing much of the developing world.  We’re lucky that we haven’t been affected to the same extent that so many other nations have.

We all know what’s happening out there.  You don’t need me to tell you that HIV and AIDS are spreading at an uncontrollable rate and decimating populations.  We all know at this point how it’s spread and how to avoid contracting it.  And we all know that this isn’t a problem that’s just going to go away on its own. 

A few numbers:

33.4 million – the number of people living with HIV or AIDS in the world
5.2 million – the number of people living with HIV or AIDS in South Africa
1.4 million – the number of AIDS orphans in South Africa
73,000 – the number of people estimated to be living with HIV or AIDS in Canada
27% – the estimated percentage of those 58,000 in Canada who are believed to be unaware of their infection (approx. 15,800)

The virus is the same around the world, and it takes advantage of circumstances.  We are fortunate enough in Canada that we are able to speak openly about HIV and AIDS without fear of the same retribution that’s seen in other countries.  We have a government that acknowledges the severity of the situation.  We have programs in place to educate us from a very young age and teach us how to stay safe.  Even still, we have many people being infected every year, many without even realizing it.  It shouldn’t come as a surprise that nations who don’t have the same resources would be hit harder.

The situation is desperate, but there is hope.  Check out the Stephen Lewis Foundation for more information about the global efforts to fight the spread of HIV and AIDS and read Stephen’s World AIDS Day message.  This is an incredible organization founded by one of Canada’s greatest leaders, and they’re making tremendous strides for the cause.