Silver Spring, Maryland-In commemoration of United Nations World AIDS Day today, nearly 40,000 people wore red ribbons provided by the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) International. To promote World AIDS Day, ADRA International provided a World AIDS Day awareness and event planning kit, a video featuring ADRA's AIDS projects, and red ribbons.

"The best warrior we have against HIV/AIDS is action on behalf of persons who learn more about HIV/AIDS and share what they know with others. Knowledge, and communication of that knowledge, helps stop the spread of HIV/AIDS," stated Charles Sandefur, president of ADRA International. "The global partnership of these 40,000 individuals is not only vital to the success of ADRA's work but also sends a message of compassion to those affected by HIV/AIDS," continued Sandefur.

Those that wore red ribbons include students at high schools, colleges, and universities; members of several denominations; HIV/AIDS support groups; and other non-profit organizations. ADRA's kit, video, and ribbons were also requested for use in countries such as Croatia, Togo, South Africa, Canada, Madagascar, Bangladesh, Tanzania, Nigeria, Hong Kong, Denmark, and India.

According to the United Nations, there are 42 million people worldwide with HIV/AIDS. Every day nearly 14,000 new HIV cases are added while nearly 8,500 die from AIDS. In North America nearly one million people have HIV, including 10,000 children.

Globally, ADRA implements HIV/AIDS projects that address the issues surrounding HIV/AIDS including care, treatment, and prevention. ADRA also works with individuals, families, communities, and leaders to address stigma, orphan and vulnerable children care, and healthy living to promote longer and more productive lives.

ADRA is present in more than 120 countries providing individual and community development and disaster relief without regard to political or religious association, age or ethnicity.

The ADRA's World AIDS Day awareness and event planning kit and additional information about ADRA can be found at www.adra.org