World AIDS Day is celebrated on December 1st each year around the world. It has become one of the most recognised international health days and a key opportunity to raise awareness, commemorate those who have passed on, and celebrate victories such as increased access to treatment and prevention services.
Started on 1st December 1988, World AIDS Day is about raising money, increasing awareness, fighting prejudice and improving education. The World AIDS Day theme for 2010 is 'Universal Access and Human Rights'. World AIDS Day is important for reminding people that HIV has not gone away, and that there are many things still to be done.
Started on 1st December 1988, World AIDS Day is about raising money, increasing awareness, fighting prejudice and improving education. The World AIDS Day theme for 2010 is 'Universal Access and Human Rights'. World AIDS Day is important for reminding people that HIV has not gone away, and that there are many things still to be done.
According to UNAIDS estimates, there are now 33.3 million people living with HIV, including 2.5 million children. During 2009 some 2.6 million people became newly infected with the virus and an estimated 1.8 million people died from AIDS.1
The vast majority of people with HIV and AIDS live in lower- and middle-income countries. But HIV today is a threat to men, women and children on all continents around the world.
I grew up in Dupont Circle in Washington D.C. in the early 80's and was well aware of the growing epidemic that is now known as HIV & AIDS. My family has known and lost many friends from this disease. There are so many people who have lost loved ones, and many many more who will lose someone close in the future to this. There a few differences now in 2010 than the early 80's when it comes to HIV & AIDS. Now we know what both HIV & AIDS are, how they are contracted, prevented, and we now have treatments for those living with AIDS. Even with all that knowledge HIV is still an epidemic that needs to be controlled! If only we each took the time to go get tested (as often as necessary) so we could know our current status and prevent the unknown spread of it.
HIV & AIDS can effect ALL of us! HIV and AIDS knows no bounds when it comes to gender, sexual preference, race, country, or neighborhood you may live in. Yes, we have come a long way in the treatment of AIDS over the last 25 years or so, but it is still something that can and should be prevented in every possible way. It is your responsibility to yourself and your loved ones to take charge, get tested, and make sure the person you chose to be sexually active with gets tested as well. When I was growing up in the D.C. area, it was not a big thing to go get tested and keep your status in your wallet. That way you could easily have that important convo and share the proof with the one you plan on getting "lucky" with. Yes it may seem like an awkward convo at the time. But believe that it is a much easier one than to tell that person that they may need to get tested, because it turns out you weren't as lucky as you thought.
Please take the time this week (or sometime soon) to go get tested! Take your loved ones out & go get tested together to get into the habit. Have date night (get tested & go see a movie). The key is getting tested so you know your status and you can STOP the spread of this disease.
I am just hoping that everyone takes the time to try to get as informed as possible and choose to stay informed on the contraction and prevention of this disease. Take time to remember those we have lost to this disease & those who are living with it every day. Celebrate their lives by protecting your own. God bless!
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