World aids day reminds the public and the government that HIV hasn’t gone away.
In the UK the National AIDS Trust.
In the USA the National Institute of Health and Human Development.
It’s vital to
- raise money
- increase awareness
- fight prejudice
- improve education
The first ever Global health day was world AIDS day which began in 1988. Held on the 1st December each year, it’s an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV. It’s there to show support to those who are living with HIV and also to commemorate those who have died. World AIDS day is there to support the 33.3 million who have HIV globally; 90,000 of whom live in the UK. More than 25 million have died between 1981-2007. Twenty five million deaths!! Timely and effective testing is required to deal with this disease and for that there are now rapid hiv test kit available in the market.
AIDS is one of the most destructive pandemics in history.
Facts
- Over 90% of people with HIV were infected thru sexual contact
- HIV is NOT passed on through spitting biting or sharing utensils
- Only 1%of babies born to HIV moms have HIV
- You can be tested for HIV from a saliva sample
- You can get an HIV result within 15-20 mins
- There is NO vaccine for HIV
- There is NO cure for HIV
BE AWARE Learn more
ACT AWARE Put your knowledge into action
“Learn the basics. Know the facts. Protect yourself. Protect your partner”
Red Ribbon Day
The red ribbon is an international symbol of AIDS awareness that is worn by people all year round and particularly around World AIDS day 1st December. 30 years after the first cases of HIV, the red ribbon is still used as a universal symbol and has influenced other charities with their own coloured ribbons eg pink for breast cancer awareness. You can purchase a red ribbon at any MAC store in the uk or you can purchase a sparkly version by visiting the NAT shop (shop.nat.org.uk)
By visiting the NAT site, you will be educated and encouraged how to be pro-active. For example maybe you’d like to raise money by having a fundraising bake off, wearing a wig, hosting a meal. You can become an activist and take part in campaigns. It’s up to you how much or little you want to be involved. AIDS/HIV is faced with many misconceptions and stigmas.
In this day and age we need to remove such ignorance, thru education, awareness and support.
Relevant sites
www.aids.org
www.nat.org.uk
www.nichd.nih.gov
www.hivaware.org.uk
