$3,286.25

This will be my third year participating, and I am so grateful for everyone who supported my fundraising effort last year -- I am hopeful I can count on you to help me again reach my goal.

Some key facts about the current state of HIV/AIDS in the world:

• The global prevalence of HIV among adults aged 15-49 is estimated at 0.6%
• In 2023, approximately 1.3 million people newly acquired HIV infection, a 39% decrease since 2010, and 630 000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses, a 69% decrease following a peak in 2004
• While 77% of people living with HIV were on antiretroviral therapy in 2023, about 9.3 million were not receiving treatment
• Africa continues to carry the heaviest burden of disease, with 65% of all people living with HIV, and in Sub-Saharan Africa nearly 1 in 20 adults is infected

Thus, while there has been much progress battling the HIV/AIDS since it first emerged some 50 years ago, there is still a huge amount of work that needs to be done if we hope to reach the WHO's declared goal of ending the epidemic by 2030.  Barriers including lack of funding and ongoing stigma against those who have the virus

To help raise funds and awareness, I will be biking the 600 km route between Toronto and Montreal between August 2nd and 7th.  Please consider making a donation -- every bit counts!

Jacob