The Red Party National Project aims to engage students from all of Australia’s medical schools with issues surrounding HIV/AIDS, particularly global health issues including the impact of HIV/AIDS on endemic areas such as Sub-Saharan Africa.
According to WHO (2013), there are currently 35 million people living with HIV/AIDS, with 2.1 million new cases reported in 2013 alone; 240,000 of which were children. 69% of these people live in Sub-Saharan Africa, and in some countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, the life expectancy has decreased by 20 years (to 40) due to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
In Australia Red Party was initiated by The Western Australian Medical Student’s Society in 2007 and became an official project of the Australian Medical Students’ Association and the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations.
AMSA’s vision
Ultimately, we want to see an end to the spread of HIV, reduced stigma towards people living with HIV and improved treatment methods and delivery to every person living with HIV. To work towards this our mission is to increase awareness of HIV and it’s global impact, promote sexual health and raise funds to help organisations working in HIV prevention, HIV treatment or assisting those whose lives have been effected by HIV/AIDS.
This year we are working towards strengthening the Red Party brand and making it a more cohesive campaign across the country. To help achieve this we have formed a partnership with YEAH – an Australian youth led sexual health promotion organisation. As part of this partnership we are developing official merchandise which will be provided to all Red Parties.
We know how significant the impact of HIV is on endemic areas overseas, and global health is our passion. This has driven us to research effective altruism with regards to HIV/AIDS so that we can provide information regarding where funds can be donated to make the biggest impact.
To get involved, stay tuned for Red Party updates!
Vision - MSAND's Global Health Group 