AIDS at a glance…

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

In conjunction with the World AIDS Day on December 1st that was three days ago, I would like to dedicate a post to this blog to raise awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. I am sure many of you know what AIDS is and what HIV is. So I would like to skip the medical and science part and go straight to the awareness and theme of AIDS.

This year, the theme of World AIDS Day is “Universal Access and Human Rights”. World AIDS Day is important for reminding people that HIV has not disappeared and that there are still many things to be done.

AIDS is now pandemic. 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.

Global leaders have pledged to work towards universal access to HIV and AIDS treatment, prevention and care, recognising these as fundamental human rights. Significant progress has been made in increasing access to HIV and AIDS services, in spite of that greater commitment is still needed around the world if the goal of universal access is to be achieved.

 A large red ribbon hangs between columns in the north portico of the White House for World AIDS Day, November 30, 2007.

Millions of people continue to be infected with HIV every year. In low- and middle-income countries, less than half of those in need of antiretroviral therapy are receiving it, and too many do not have access to adequate care services.

A 67 m long "condom" on the Obelisk of Buenos Aires, Argentina, part of an awareness campaign for the 2005 World AIDS Day.

The protection of human rights is fundamental to combating the global HIV and AIDS epidemic. Violations against human rights fuel the spread of HIV, putting marginalised groups, such as injecting drug users and sex workers, at a higher risk of HIV infection. By promoting individual human rights, new infections can be prevented and people who have HIV can live free from discrimination and social stigmatism.

World AIDS Day provides an opportunity for all of us - individuals, communities and political leaders - to take action and ensure that human rights are protected and global targets for HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care are met.

Therefore, we should start by wearing a red ribbon to promote AIDS awareness and if possible educate the people about the epidemic itself. Besides that, by wearing the red ribbon, we demonstrate care and concern about HIV and AIDS, and to remind others of the need for their support and commitment.

The Red Ribbon is the global symbol for solidarity with HIV-positive people and those living with AIDS.

You could also take your awareness raising a step further by trying to find a local event to take part in. Around the world there are hundreds of activities taking place to mark World AIDS Day, including candlelight vigils, art shows, marches and religious services. If you can't find anything in your area then why not organise an event yourself? When there’s a will, there’s a way. Hehe.

There is an organization called AVERT which has AIDS projects in the parts of the world most severely affected by HIV and AIDS. They are helping the people there deal with their challenges such as extreme poverty, stigma and lack of healthcare by providing them education, treatment and care. The projects also help the orphaned children or otherwise affected by HIV and AIDS.

So maybe you could lend a hand in the fundraising program to help AVERT or maybe donation or sponsorship in helping those who are suffering from the outcome of AIDS.

Lastly, I would like to quote a phrase from my friend, where I would like this phrase to be the ending of my post. “To Care Is To Give”

References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AIDS

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_AIDS_Day

http://www.avert.org/world-aids-day.htm