World AIDS Day is on Saturday December 1st – it’s a day that should give many of us moms, a reason to pause. As we sleep comfortably in our beds at night, our children sleeping sound in the next room, a mother is comforting her HIV-infected child. I don’t sympathize, I empathize. Imagine yourself in her shoes. I can. And maybe because I’m dealing with my child’s own immunity issues, is the reason I can. It’s also the reason why I will give. 

900 children are infected with HIV. Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation knows the number of new infections can be reduced to zero. Most of the infections can be avoided through education and protection but also, testing is the first and most critical step in reducing mother-to-child transmission. If an expectant mother knows her status, she can receive the necessary treatment that will protect her health and the health of her unborn child. The Glaser Foundation has joined the global health community in setting a goal to hit zero by 2015. How is it possible?

90% of child infections of HIV are passed on from mother to child – and 100% of those infections are preventable with care and treatment for the HIV-positive mother. We’ve come a long way from 30 years ago, where an HIV diagnosis was indicative of a death certificate. Not anymore. Did you know that a donation of $30 can provide care and treatment to one mother, for one month?

In honor, of World AIDS Day this Saturday, consider giving generously by donating to save a child. Help infected mothers get treated and protect their children from HIV. You can make a donation at https://secure.amothersfight.org/page/contribute/Support-Moms Just think, we could alleviate AIDS in our generation. We really are that close but our first step is to address pediatric HIV/AIDS. Let’s get rid of this disease once and for all and save the lives of babies everywhere.