Fw: End mother to child transmission of HIV

[Guest guest]

Roxane Philson, ONE.org <one-helpWomen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear ONE Member,

Today is the 100th year of International Women's Day—please join me in marking this occasion by taking action on behalf of women around the world. In the last century, a great deal has changed for many women, however, for those in developing countries change has not been so swift—an estimated 70% of people living in poverty are female and unbelievably every minute a woman dies in childbirth. This is shocking and it is why today we are launching Women ONE2ONE, a campaign unlike anything we've done before.

While women often suffer the greatest hardships, when given the opportunity it is women who can make the greatest difference. In growing the economy, educating children, and keeping families healthy. The Women ONE2ONE campaign will use our collective strength today to empower millions of other women to flourish and make their own change tomorrow.

Our first step is something that sounds remarkable to me, but according to health experts is possible: ending mother to child transmission of HIV. The group that can make this happen is The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria – who will be meeting with their key donors next week. Please join me in encouraging Global Fund Director Michel Kazatchkine and Global Fund donors to support efforts to end mother to child transmission of HIV as a priority intervention to stop the spread of the disease:

http://www.one.org/women/mothertochild/?id=1517-4535617-l_12gMx & t=3

90% of the 430,000 children newly infected with HIV each year acquire the disease through birth, and half of them will die before their second birthday. Ending mother to child transmission will prevent these deaths and allow children to be born free of this devastating disease. This requires a range of actions including providing better mother and child health care and treatment, and the right kinds of anti-retroviral drugs.

As you sign the petition, I hope that you'll also ask an important woman in your life to join us on this journey. I believe this year is going to offer us the best possible chance to make a difference and we need as many people as possible to help. I'll be asking my friend Ruth Kennedy, I'll let you know what she says (no pressure, Ruth). And don't worry men, you can help too. I hope there is a special woman in each of your lives that you can ask to get involved as well.

Thank you,

Roxane Philson, ONE.org