The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) will commemorate the 20th annual World AIDS Day, December 1, with the 2008 ADRA World AIDS Day kit, containing information and resources about the global AIDS pandemic and tips for communities working toward eradication of the disease.

The ADRA World AIDS Day kit contains a World AIDS Day Guide, with testimonies from people living with HIV/AIDS, important facts, and ways to get involved. Also included is a newsletter or church bulletin insert, a pulpit announcement, and a poster to raise awareness of World AIDS Day in local churches, schools, community centers, and businesses.

“With these resources, ADRA is empowering every person to advocate in their own communities on behalf of the millions of people around the world who have been [affected] by HIV and AIDS,” said Hearly Mayr, director for public awareness at ADRA International.

Around the world, an estimated 33 million are currently living with HIV. Of that number, more than 15 million are children under the age of 15. World AIDS Day, which was first created by the World Health Organization and the United Nations General Assembly in 1988, has brought increased awareness about the disease, combating prejudices, and providing increased understanding worldwide.

ADRA is offering free commemorative World AIDS Day ribbons that can be worn to show support for the cause. Both ribbons and kits can be ordered at http://www.adra.org or by phone at 1.800.424.ADRA (2372). Resources are available in the U.S. and Canada while supplies last.

Copies of ADRA’s 2009 Really Useful Gift Catalog are also available upon request. The catalog features a collection of development projects including HIV and AIDS initiatives in Ghana, Liberia, and Swaziland.

For more information, visit adra.org.