Good morning, folks
Today is World AIDS Day – Action needed
Today 1 December 2022 is World AIDS Day, a day chosen by the United Nations to symbolize and acknowledge the ongoing fight against this deadly disease. Although worldwide, the vast majority of people afflicted with HIV is in Africa and other developing countries, the stats show that in 2018, there were an estimated 62,050 people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Canada, the highest of any of the industrialized countries in the world. Unfortunately, people of African descent are overrepresented in this demographic, second only to the indigenous persons with the disease. Over the years, the World Health Organization has led the struggle to contain this deadly affliction and with the advent of anti-retroviral medication, life expectancy and quality of life have increased for survivors. Unfortunately, as new pandemics arrive worldwide, namely Covid, influenza and SARS among others, resources available for AIDS treatment, research and support for survivors have dwindled. It is therefore incumbent on Canadian Black community leaders to keep the pressure of various levels of government to maintain an adequate level of funding to agencies that are in the forefront of the fight, such as the AIDS Committee of Ottawa (ACO). Join the demonstration on Parliament Hill today to show your support for this community advocacy initiative. We simply cannot afford to let our guard down in the fight against this deadly disease.
For more information, visit: AIDS Committee of Ottawa – Since 1985, ACO has worked to offer support, education and prevention services to the Ottawa community (aco-cso.ca)
AND HIV in Canada: 2020 Surveillance highlights – Canada.ca
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In other news
Our Top Story for December 2022 is the commemoration of Black Veterans by Black History Ottawa on Remembrance Day on 11 November 2022. Other stories we are following were the appointment of Professor Awad Ibrahim as Anti-Racism Professor at the University of Ottawa; Mante Molepo as Innovator in Residence by the Ontario Bar Association and the award of the Giller Prize to Suzette Mayr. We also bring you news of Independence Day celebrations in Ottawa by people of Uganda and St. Vincent and the Grenadines respectively. In Ketcia’s Corner, Ketcia Peters continues her advocacy mission with her piece: Flight of Fancy.
Here is the result of the November 202 poll: Should Premier Doug Ford testify at the trucking convoy inquiry? Yes 83% No 17% Thank you to all who voted. Do remember to participate in the December 2022 poll: Are you satisfied with Canada’s performance in the ongoing soccer World Cup?
All these and more in the December edition of your favorite newspaper.
Stay blessed and enjoy the rest of the winter. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous Christmas and happy holidays.
Godwin Ifedi Editor
This edition of Black Ottawa Scene was funded in part by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
