On the 30th Anniversary of HIV, a Ceremony to Stamp Out Pediatric AIDS
Posted by
Taylor Moore
Washington, D.C.
June 7, 2011
This weekend marked 30 years since the
first AIDS diagnosis. To commemorate the anniversary, I had the pleasure of joining Foundation Vice President of Research Dr. Laura Guay as she spoke at a public event on Friday.
It wasn’t her typical audience of scientists, policy makers, or journalists.
This time, she spoke about the three-decade fight against the global AIDS epidemic to an audience of stamp collectors.
Dr. Guay was the keynote speaker at the annual
National Philatelic Exhibition (NAPEX) in suburban Washington, D.C.
You might ask, what does stamp collecting have to do with HIV/AIDS?
This year’s exhibition included a special ceremony unveiling a new set of
United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA) stamps to recognize this significant milestone in the AIDS epidemic.
Dr. Guay speaks at the United Nations stamp unveiling at
NAPEX. (Photo: EGPAF)
During her speech, Dr. Guay introduced a new audience to the Foundation and its global mission to end pediatric AIDS.
“This is a great opportunity to recognize the inspiring progress we have made, and the tremendous need that still exists,” she told attendees.
The UNPA regularly releases stamps representing important global issues. In addition to their value to collectors, the stamps also draw attention to initiatives led by the UN and its partners around the world.
The new UNPA stamps –
“30 Years of a World Living with AIDS” – were released in advance of this week’s
UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
UNPA Chief David Failor, who also spoke at the event, explained the importance of this latest set of stamps to the audience:
“Raising awareness about the issue is a very important thing, and I think it’s great that a postage stamp can act as a billboard,” said Failor. “We’re doing our part to make a difference.”
Dr Guay (far right) with United Nations stamp unveiling
speakers. (Photo: EGPAF)
One of the largest annual philatelic exhibitions on the East Coast, NAPEX draws collectors from all over the country.
The Foundation’s presence at the event shows that even thirty years after the first AIDS diagnosis, HIV is still an issue that touches everyone.
It will take the support and commitment of all kinds of groups – such as the collectors attending the NAPEX exhibition – to stamp out pediatric AIDS.
Click here to find out how to get your own “30 Years of a World Living with AIDS” stamps.