Russell Simmons Urges Action And Support On World Aids Day

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Russell Simmons Urges Action and Support on World Aids Day

By Chris Richburg

Date: 12/1/2006 6:00 pm

Rap mogul Russell Simmons acknowledged the importance of World Aids Day Friday (Dec. 1) while urging the public to be more active in bringing awareness of the disease.

The recognition came as the Simmons' led a fact-finding delegation to Kimberley, South Africa.

The expedition was for the hip-hop pioneer's Simmons Jewelry Company.

"Today is World AIDS Day and I am humbled to be present in Africa where the pandemic of HIV/AIDS is a deadly reality for millions of people," Simmons said Friday in a statement. "We need to increase public awareness campaigns throughout the world on this issue. We support the efforts of the numerous humanitarian and health groups, as well as governmental and non-governmental organizations, that are diligently dedicated in their response to this great human crisis. We add our voice and work in complete solidarity with all who are standing up and taking action on this day."

Established in 1988 by the World Health Organization in 1988, World AIDS Day is observed every Dec. 1 to bring global attention on the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

According to reports, more than 25 million people have died from AIDS since 1981. There are an estimated 1,039,000 to 1,185,000 people in the United States who are HIV-positive.

The disease has made an impact in the hip-hop community with the deaths of West Coast rhymesayer Eazy E and X-Clan member Sugar Shaft.

BET, through its Wrap It Up Campaign, has been active in raising awareness about HIV/AIDs and other sexually transmitted diseases.

The program, the result of a 1997 BET partnership with Kaiser Family Foundation, also includes special programming, public service advertisements, online content on bet.com and a free resource and referral service.

This week, former president Bill Clinton announced that he has aligned with Cipla Ltd. and Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd. in an effort to cut prices of HIV and AIDS treatment for children while making the drugs more accessible.

Under the agreement, the pharmaceutical companies will supply drugs for HIV-positive children at prices as low as 16 cents a day, or less than $60 a year, according to a statement by the Clinton Foundation HIV/AIDS Initiative.

Cnn.com reports the foundation saying that the deal will enable an additional 100,000 HIV-positive children in 62 countries to receive treatment in 2007, the foundation said.

Despite current efforts, Simmons believes the eradication of HIV/AIDs will occur when "much more is done to effectively end poverty in Africa and throughout the world." "

"The best way to end poverty is through sustainable economic development and empowerment," Simmons said.

[JumpinJack AJ]

Forgive me for the very generalizing reply...but...It's time AIDS be brought 2 the forefront again. In the early 90's there were songs, TV specials, music, and many foundations based on the finding a cure and helping AIDS victims . By the time the mid-90's hit, it waz quickly disappearing. These days, it's rarely brought up at all. The world needs 2 be aware of this disease and the people suffering from it. Things need to change.

At the same time, people need 2 be accountable for their actions. We know how 2 get it...so why is it spreading the way it is?!?

[Turntable]

People dont seem to be that afraid anymore.. At least that counts for much kids of my age.. Or they just dont know no better. I agree with you AJ.

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Yeah we need to keep the awareness alive so that way those who don't could be informed, it's depressing to know that there's so many people dying from something that could be easily prevented