December 1 is World AIDS Day. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about AIDS. 

The aim of World AIDS Day is to bring to people's attention the worldwide challenges and consequences of the epidemic ultimately preventing the spread of HIV and improving the lives of people living with the virus.

Twenty years ago, a summit of health ministers realised that a united global effort was required to halt the spread of HIV and AIDS.

As a result, World AIDS Day emerged as the first international health day in December 1988.

Why do we wear the Red Ribbon on World AIDS Day?

The red ribbon is worn as a sign of support for people living with HIV. Wearing a red ribbon for World AIDS Day is a simple and powerful way to challenge the stigma and prejudice surrounding HIV and AIDS that prevents us from tackling the problem.

AIDS statistics

Globally AIDS has killed more than 25 million people, with an estimated 38.6 million people living with HIV, making it one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history. In 2005 it was estimated that 27,000 were living with AIDS in Trinidad and Tobago and there were 1,900 deaths due to the disease. Additionally in 2005, it was estimated that 2% of the population was living with AIDS.

Of the over 1 billion youth (ages 15-24) worldwide, some 10 million are living with HIV. Every day, an estimated 6,000 youth are infected with the virus.

Caricom Secretary General. Dr Edwin Carrington noted that “About one-third of those currently living with AIDS (worldwide) are aged 15-24: The majority of new infections are among young persons, with young women being particularly vulnerable and some of our most beautiful and talented young people - both male and female - die from HIV/AIDS.”

References:

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_AIDS_Day
2. www.worldaidsday.org
3. http://www.avert.org/caribbean.htm
4. http://www.unfpa.org/swp/2005/presskit/factsheets/facts_youth.htm
5. http://www.caricom.org/jsp/pressreleases/pres98_04.htm

Vision: Stop and think about this for a while. Imagine. Every time you blink, someone somewhere in the world gets infected with HIV or AIDS! Are you scared yet?

Well, think about this too, imagine again that every time you blink, another person has passed on because of AIDS or an AIDS related illness! Scared yet? Education is the key so let us not hide our heads in the sand and think that we can’t get infected, we need to live a lifestyle that is pleasing to God, as well as one where caution is never thrown to the wind. We must protect ourselves – we must protect ourselves against ignorance, stubbornness, peer pressure to get involved in sexual activity and the various types of media that encourage a carefree life where sex is seen as just a game to win.

Abstinence is the best choice. So, what is your position? Yes, there are those who are living with the disease and doing well but most would wish to turn back the hands of time.

On December 1, take at least one minute to reflect on those who have gone before us. To all who have died from this deadly plague, may you rest in peace.

Our Pope’s message

Last year, Pope Benedict sent this message: “Society should not reject people living with HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases nor be indifferent or prejudiced toward them,” Pope Benedict XVI said at a conference on the pastoral care of people with infectious diseases.

The pope also called on society to respect the dignity of people living with infectious diseases. “Among the prejudices that hinder or limit efficient care for victims of infectious diseases is the attitude of indifference and even exclusion or rejection, which sometimes emerges in a rich society,” he said, adding that the tendency of individuals to focus on themselves while other people are living with diseases is a “dangerous social trend.”

The pope also urged scientists and doctors to boost efforts to find cures for diseases, including HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, as well as ways to ease the suffering of those who are living with such diseases.

Source: http://www.kaisernetwork.org/daily_reports