What Is It & Why It Matters?
World AIDS Day is held every year on 1st December. It was first observed in 1988 and has since been a day where people around the world unite in the fight against HIV/AIDS, showing support to people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) and remembering those who have died from the condition.
As of 2015, an estimated 78 million people around the world are infected with HIV and 35 million people who have died from the AIDS-related illnesses. Of these, up to 40% aren't aware of their status. [1]
"It is bad enough that people are dying of AIDS, but no one should die of ignorance" - Elizabeth Taylor
World AIDS Day serves as a reminder as how this global pandemic has affected millions around the world. While scientific advancement has made the condition manageable, we are still nowhere close to finding a cure. It also reminds us that we need to fight against the discrimination and stigma associated with the condition.
All in all, it is a reminder that HIV has not gone away. It is still around and affecting more people each day.
I Am A Gen Y & A #GenEndIt
In June 2016, the United Nations General Assembly released the Prevention Gap Report identifying three milestones to achieve by 2020 to end AIDS by 2030:
- Reduce new HIV infections to fewer than 500 000 globally by 2020
- Reduce AIDS-related deaths to fewer than 500 000 globally by 2020
- Eliminate HIV-related stigma and discrimination by 2020
*[2] 2016 Prevention Gap Report, UNAIDS
Getting Involved
Take a stand and help realise the goal of an AIDS free-generation.
Volunteer With Your Local HIV Organisation - If you have the time and ability to, why not volunteer with your local HIV organisation or non-profit organisations.
Hands Up For #HIVPrevention Campaign - The campaign launched by UNAIDS serves as a platform for people to share their views on what needs to be done to strengthen HIV prevention efforts. For more information about the campaign, please refer to the campaign brochure.
A Sign Of Solidarity - Put on the red ribbon to to show your support towards HIV/AIDS advocacy.
Towards An AIDS Free Generation
More work still needs to be done towards achieving the goal. But every little effort counts.
Until that day comes and until my last breath, I too, would be doing my best to achieve that goal.
I'd like to end by asking: "I have HIV, will you run with me?"
About Myself
I have been a volunteer and an advocate for the HIV/AIDS cause since 2008 when I was 18 years old. In late 2014, I was diagnosed as being HIV positive.
Having come to terms with it, I'm now dedicating my time and energy towards helping other HIV/AIDS patients and educating others to keep themselves safe. Stigma is still a big issue where I am from. In an attempt to address it, I am working on my personal public coming out on my local national platform to lend a voice and a face to the condition.
Here is my story and post on Steemit: Pozitivity - My Life As A HIV+ Youth
For more posts and updates, do follow me @pozitivityspace
Resources:
Information:
[1] Avert, Global HIV Statistics
[2] UNAIDS, Prevention Gap Report 2016
Campaigns:
#GenEndIt
Raise Your Hands For #HIVPrevention