World AIDS Day

The theme for 2009 is 'Universal Access and Human Rights'. World AIDS Day is important in reminding people that HIV has not gone away, and that there are many things still to be done. There are now 33.4 million people living with HIV. During 2008 some 2.7 million people became newly infected with the virus and an estimated 2 million people have died from AIDS. Around half of all people who become infected with HIV do so before they are 25 and are killed by AIDS before they are 35. United Nations reports show that women and girls are particularly vulnerable to HIV because of gender inequality. This is due to economic and social dependence on men, a lack of power to refuse sex or negotiate condom use, and inadequate access to information. As a part of the YWCA's ongoing efforts to raise public awareness of the impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls, I have been collaborating with other agencies through meetings, calls and events and have joined two community groups (Ryan White HIV Care Network and the Faith Based Coalition) to engage a call to action addressing this disease as a racial/health disparity. We can all do our part not just today or throughout the remainder of this month but continuously through the following: Find out the facts about HIV/AIDS and talk to your friends, family and colleagues. Make sure you and others, know the reality, not the myths. Know your HIV status: get tested if you have put yourself at risk. If someone tells you they are HIV positive, treat them with respect and don't tell others without their agreement. And lastly, wear a red ribbon as a symbol of your support for everyone affected by HIV, and to raise awareness. BE SAFE STAY PROTECTED BE WELL