COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus City leaders plan to join a world wide movement to raise awareness of AIDS. Tonight leaders said they plan to illuminate City Hall and the Public Health Building in red to mark World AIDS day. Mayor Michael Coleman and Health Commissioner Dr. Teresa Long will also take part in a candlelight vigil at the health building at 6 p.m.
The effort is meant to raise awareness of the disease about also to highlight the commitment of the global health community to work together to eliminate the transmission of HIV from mother to child by 2015.
Columbus joins 30 other cities including New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles in lighting the most distinctive landmarks in red.
New statistics released by UNAIDS estimates 370,000 children are infected with the disease, down from 430,000 in 2008.
Starbucks and Dell computers are also joining the efforts to help fight AIDS. Starbucks plans to contribute 5 cents for every beverage purchased to the Global Fund.
Dell is doubling contributions on (PRODUCT)RED items.
