First located on the campus of Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan, GRI moved to Loma Linda in 1980 to take advantage of the close proximity of significant geological features as well as the scientific environment found at Loma Linda. The outreach includes drama and music performed by more than 1,500 ADRA volunteers. ADRA International has sponsored similar campaigns for 12 years, primarily in Africa and Asia. In addition to dramatic presentations, ADRA Malawi has distributed more than 800,000 school notebooks imprinted with AIDS prevention messages. Bakili Muluzi, the president of Malawi, invited one club to perform its AIDS dramas and music for a recent function.
Radio is also an integral part of the awareness strategy.
ADRA produces a weekly radio program that features real life problems and villagers' suggestions for solutions, Sahlin says. A United Nations report on AIDS contains chilling predictions. At the end of December 2000, about 36 million people will be infected worldwide, with the death rate topping three million, states Dr. Mataya. New infections in Africa this year are estimated to be about 3.8 million which represents a decrease from 4 million last year. But more than 25 million people on that continent are infected.