Fighting for a Cure: HIV/AIDS

As I went through all the incredible TED speakers, I came across one of the most talented artists out there, Annie Lennox. Annie Lennox’s first glimpse of stardom is when she became apart of a group called the Eurythmics , which was formed back in the early 1980s.  Annie is known for her unique and powerful voice. What many people do not realize is, that Annie Lennox is an activist. Lennox has become a strong voice in fighting for a cure and raising awareness of HIV/AIDS.

In 2003, Annie Lennox joined Nelson Mandela’s 46664 Foundation. The organization provided a concert series of famous “musicians, artists, and sportsmen and women as ambassadors” according to 46664: Global Campaign. The name 46664 came from Mandela being sent to prison in 1964 as the 466^th prisoner to arrive during that year. Mandela wanted to pass on his prison number to the 46664 Foundation to prevent HIV/AIDS as a reminder to all of the people of what Mandela had sacrificed while being imprisoned for 38 years. After joining forces with Mandela, Annie Lennox created the SING Campaign in 2007 to help prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS in South Africa. While watching this TED speech, Annie had pictures and spoke of a little girl named Avelile. Avelile was 7 years old and was born with the HIV virus in which her mother contracted while she was pregnant with Avelile. Avelile’s mother had passed away, leaving Avelile orphaned. Avelile was starved of nutrition and had the weight of a one-year old baby. At the time, she was also fighting pneumonia. Annie Lennox returned to South Africa five months later – not knowing if Avelile survived. Thank goodness she did! Doctors and nurses at the local hospital cared for this little girl by giving her the proper nutrition and medicine she needed. The pictures of the transformation are amazing.

I have always seen the infomercials on television late at night asking for donations to help raise awareness and fight HIV/AIDS. I often wondered if the money would really help find a cure or if it were a scam. Knowing that an artist who is talented and is well respected in the music industry, like Annie Lennox is, makes me feel that this isn’t some charity case that Lennox needs to slap her name on. By Lennox’s speech to raise awareness and funds to directly support the Treatment Action Campaign, I know Lennox is genuinely trying to be proactive and make a difference in the world. HIV/AIDS affects 35 million people daily around the world. Innocent children are affected. According to AIDS.gov, “3.2 million children worldwide are living with HIV. Most of these children were infected by their HIV-Positive mothers during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.” (AIDS.gov, 2015)

I always feel when a celebrity’s name is associated with an organization the audience level grows. In some ways, this could be detrimental. Meaning, people will only fight for a cause if someone famous is endorsing the organization. In my opinion, it shouldn’t be like that. I am guilty of this. It is more believable to me if a celebrity’s name is attached to the organization. We need to make changes in the world and start by being more proactive. I will start with myself and donate money to the SING Campaign. Every child deserves a chance to dream.

 Resources:

HIV/AIDS
Nelson Mandela
TED Speech: Annie Lennox
Treatment Action Campaign
46664: Global Campaign