Mailman Hosts Film Screening, Photo Exhibit for World AIDS Day

An estimated 36.7 million people around the world live with the HIV virus, according to the National AIDS Trust, which raises awareness each year on World AIDS Day at the start of December. On Dec. 10, ICAP at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health will amplify this awareness by hosting “Growing Up Positive: A Special World AIDS Day Event,” 2-4:30 p.m. in the Hess Commons at 722 W. 168th St. 

The event is free and open to the public and features a screening of the short film, “Life Growing Up,” which tells the stories of young people growing up with HIV. Following the film will be a presentation and panel discussion, as well as a ribbon-cutting ceremony and reception for a new gallery of photos by adolescents living with HIV. 

ICAP was founded at Columbia in 2003 by Wafaa El-Sadr, MD, MPH, MPA, University Professor, with one overarching goal: to improve the health of families and communities. El-Sadr has since served as director of ICAP and with her colleagues delivers transformative solutions to strengthen health systems in over 30 countries. ICAP’s approach is grounded in an appreciation of the HIV pandemic’s broad impact on individuals, families, communities, and societies. It also recognizes the complex connections among HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and other health threats, including malaria, malnutrition, and limited access to reproductive health services.

For questions about the event, contact Hugh Siegel, deputy director of communications and content strategy at ICAP, at hs3000@cumc.columbia.edu.