Medical Students See Red For HIV And AIDS, Australian Medical Students' Association

Main Category: HIV / AIDS
Also Included In: Medical Students / Training
Article Date: 02 Dec 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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Medical students across Australia have rallied as part of a nation-wide effort to increase awareness of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), a devastating spectrum of disease afflicting an estimated 33 millions of people across the globe.

To raise awareness, Australian medical students have hosted several fundraising and educational events all around the country. Themed with the colour red, the international colour for HIV and AIDS, the events have affectionately become known as 'Red Parties'.

In the wake of the 20th anniversary of World AIDS day, Australian Medical Students' Association (AMSA) President Michael Bonning said that this Australia-wide project was a perfect example of what a committed group of global citizens can achieve when working in collaboration.

"AMSA seeks to foster greater social responsibility amongst our student members," Mr Bonning said.

"The Red Party events are a reflection of the ever-increasing commitment of future doctors to improve the health of the global community," he said.

"Each and every student who participated has contributed to a significant awareness-raising event and we would like to congratulate them on their efforts," Mr Bonning said.

Over 2,500 people have attended Red Parties in Western Australia, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, New South Wales and South Australia, raising over $40,000 for charitable organisations which focus on alleviating the burden of HIV and AIDS. Funds raised will go to support humanitarian aid, health infrastructure, advocacy and research.

AMSA encourages every medical student to be aware of the global challenges that HIV and AIDS pose, and consider the role that they as future medical professionals, must have if such challenges are to be resolve.

The National Red Party Project is an initiative the AMSA Global Health Network. The Project complements the AMSA Global Health Conference and other local activities of student global health groups around the country.

Australian Medical Students' Association