On February 24th, 2006, the Asian Pacific American Medical Students Association (APAMSA) from Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine held a fundraising event for an AIDS charity at the medical school campus. The event was part of a week-long AIDS awareness week dedicated to educating the community about AIDS. The growing AIDS epidemic in Asia is an important issue often ignored in global AIDS discussions.
The APAMSA chapter of Washington University organized a fundraiser to increase awareness of the AIDS epidemic in China and offer their support to the children affected by AIDS needing funds for education. The proceeds of the event went to the China AIDS Orphan Fund, which is operated by the Chi Heng Foundation, a registered charity in Hong Kong engaged in AIDS work in Mainland China. Students sold home-made potstickers, bubble tea, and various other Asian snacks to raise over $600 for the organization. In addition, pamphlets were handed out and a video was shown to increase awareness about the AIDS epidemic in China.
An estimated 1.5 million children in Central China have been orphaned by AIDS as a result of poor farmers selling blood in unsanitary and illegal blood transfusion centers in order to earn extra money. These children live in poverty and are unable to pay for an education. In response, the Chi Heng Foundation has set up the AIDS Orphan Fund, sponsoring these children so they can obtain books, school supplies, and pay for tuition. An amount as small as US$32 can sponsor a child's education for a year. For more information about the organization, see www.chfaidsorphans.com. |
