Much has been accomplished in the global battle against HIV/AIDS since the virus was first named in the 1980s. Though drugs are now widely available to help manage the virus, no cure has been found to date. New infections continue to occur, particularly in parts of the world where information is scarce and access to medical services is even more so.
Until the day a cure is found, the most effective way of reducing the number of new infections and helping those already afflicted lead productive lives is still education, support and access to life-saving drugs.
Planet Aid is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization deeply committed to improving the human condition. Among the many programs Planet Aid supports, Total Control of the Epidemic (TCE) focuses mainly on HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis. These three diseases are easily preventable, yet they rage on in the developing world. TCE was created by the Federation Humana People to People to attack this issue from several directions.
Boots on the Ground
People respond when they come face to face with facts, delivered simply, with compassion and understanding. With this in mind, TCE first determines target areas where education and support are most needed. Then, field officers are sent door to door to counsel and educate individuals on safe sexual practices and tell them where support is available. Working in concert with local governments and social organizations like schools, women's groups and community centers, support and assistance are offered to those who need it. TCE field officers are trained in AIDS testing, counseling and intervention.
Of course, reaching people one at a time takes time. Target areas are split into groups of 100,000 people each, and field officers are given three years to reach each individual in their target group. Many at-risk individuals are hard to reach, and the TCE field officers are greatly aided by local volunteers, called "passionates," who often stay on after the three-year program is complete.
Much Still to Do
The Foundation for AIDS Research estimates that in 2013, 35 million people were living with HIV/AIDS. Of that number, nearly 2.3 million people were newly infected in 2012. Eighty percent of people infected live in sub Saharan Africa.
Planet Aid, which sells recycled clothing to support programs like TCE worldwide, is contributing significantly to the battle against HIV/AIDS. With over 11 million people reached by TCE so far, the program's model has attracted attention from national governments in Africa and elsewhere. Based on the idea that one-to-one contact is the best way to inform, educate and lessen the stigma of diseases brought on by poverty and misinformation, these governments are beginning to use the TCE method to address other social ills associated with poverty.
We Need Your Support
Planet Aid is proud to support this good work. Our bright-yellow recycling containers can be found on the streets of many major U.S. cities, waiting for contributions of used clothing, shoes and accessories. Planet Aid packages and resells these items, raising money and providing clothing to people who need it, half a world away. TCE is only one of the programs we support with your generous donation.
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