Keeping the Light On for HIV and Human Rights
In my discussion with friends about AIDS/HIV on one occasion or another, I've noticed that many are still quite at a loss. Some are very much mum about the issue. I could tell that a lot are afraid and would rather not face the issues surrounding it.
I want to share some key points with you, together with our family, friends, and colleagues. I've looked into trusted organizations and online sources. Hopefully, the information here helps us to start of in the right direction on the facts and issues surrounding AIDS and HIV.
HIV Basics, Facts and Stats
World AIDS Day started on the 1st of December 1988. It has become one of the most recognized international health days, which facilitates increasing awareness, fighting prejudice, and improving education. On this day we commemorate those who have passed on and celebrate victories such as increased access to treatment and prevention services. Through the years up until now, using the color red and wearing a red ribbon signifies World AIDS Day. It is an important day for reminding people that HIV has not gone away, and that there are many things still to be done.
What Is HIV?
...Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a lot like other viruses, including those that cause the "flu" or the common cold. But there is an important difference – over time, your immune system can clear most viruses out of your body. That isn't the case with HIV – the human immune system can't seem to get rid of it. Scientists are still trying to figure out why... - Aids.gov HIV/AIDS 101
Are HIV and AIDS the same?No. When someone is described as living with HIV, they have the HIV virus in their body. A person is considered to have developed AIDS when the immune system is so weak it can no longer fight off a range of diseases with which it would normally cope. - WorldAidsDay.org Facts and Stats
Millions of people across the world are vulnerable to HIV infection through lack of effective prevention and millions of people living with HIV do not have access to treatment and care. Watch this video by Avert explaining why universal access to HIV prevention, treatment and care is the key to ending the global AIDS epidemic. It includes the single by Sdia, Going all the way.
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.
WorldAIDScampaign.org will stage The Light For Rights campaign, which strives to underscore this year’s focus on HIV and human rights by encouraging people in cities around the world to dim the lights on key landmarks to remember the devastating effect AIDS has had on us all, and to turn back on the lights to illuminate the fundamental rights we all share.
For our part, stay vigilant and learn more about the facts and basics of HIV/AIDS. Know what is at stake. By acting on that knowledge, we can take better steps in protecting our own health and well being, and that of our family and friends. In so doing, we also can ensure we treat everyone living with HIV fairly and with understanding. Share the right information so that we all can stay healthy and safe.
Let us keep the light on HIV and Human Rights.
