Today is World AIDS Day, designated on 1 December every year since 1988, an international day dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection and mourning those who have died of the disease over the years. We may not hear about HIV/AIDS as much as we once did, but we should. There is still a stigma and there is still no cure.
Next year I will participate in my 35th AIDS Walk. I never thought it would go on for so long! People are living longer now with HIV, but there are still medical complications and there are still deaths. The global epidemic of HIV/AIDS began way back in 1981, and according to the World Health Organization, (as of last year), has killed approximately 40.1 million people.
I cannot tell you how many funerals I attended, especially in the early days back in the 80s, and how many candlelight vigils I participated in. We must continue to remember those who have died while at the same time we support those living with HIV and work toward an end to the stigma and work especially for a cure. Get tested. Stay informed. Be involved. Make a difference.
Click HERE for more information and ways you can get involved.
The CDC advises that numbers for the past two years should be interpreted with caution due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on access to HIV testing, care-related services, and case surveillance activities.
No comments:
Post a Comment