I travelled to France a few weeks ago for a family reunion, and as I walked the streets of Paris where spring was just starting to bud, I noticed large flyers posted all around town, sporting bright red ribbons and big letters that read “SIDACTION 2009.” My curiosity was peaked and I had to find out more about this Sidaction, or “AIDSaction” in English.

Sidaction was founded in 1994 as a fundraising mechanism to collect funds for research and to support organizations engaged in the fight against HIV/AIDS, especially those located in the French oversees departments (i.e.  Martinique and Guadeloupe) and territories where the need was greatest.  During that first fundraising drive, Sidaction raised 45.7 million Euros (or about 61 million USD, in today’s dollars) from 1.4 million donors! This was a stellar accomplishment, which unfortunately was never repeated, perhaps a sign of changing times and changing priorities. In 1996, Sidaction launched its second fundraising drive, raising a bit less than 10 million Euros. In 2006, it raised 5.1 million Euros and in 2007 5.9 million Euros.  

This year, on March 20, 21 and 22, eleven television channels and 5 radio stations joined forces and mobilized their teams for Sidaction 2009, to celebrate its 15^th anniversary. For three days, journalists, news anchors and television personalities took turns to call on the public to support the cause.  Across the entire country, more than 350 cultural, sporting and educational events were organized with the goal of raising awareness about HIV/ AIDS, as well as funds. In three days, Sidaction raised 6 450 000 Euros in pledges, representing an increase of 500 000 Euros over the previous year – a good sign! 50% of the funds raised will go to support prevention programs and those already sick with HIV-AIDS, and 50% will go to funding research. Sidaction has pledged to make these funds available this year, without delay, to ensure that the researchers and organizations recipient of the funds can dedicate themselves fully to fighting HIV/AIDS as opposed to spending valuable time looking for financing.    

In the fight against HIV/AIDS, mobilizing and engaging the public is crucial to preventing the spread of the virus.  Raising funds to finance this prevention, from the community to the international level is also key. For those interested in getting involved, you don’t have to travel to France or anywhere else.  Take the first step right here in New York City by participating in AIDS Walk New York, on May 17^th. Click here to get more information about how you can sign up and walk with the TDN team! And watch the video.

*Written by Sophie Cardona, TDN Treasurer, from Paris, France.