World AIDS day is a fantastic opportunity for people around the world to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died. It’s no secret that HIV is a huge cause for concern in South Africa, and often effects the most vulnerable in our communities i.e. women and children. An estimated 33.3 million people have HIV. More than 25 million people between 1981 and 2007 have died from the virus, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.
As I stated in a previous article I wrote for Queer Life, despite these shocking figures HIV prevalence has stabilised in South Africa. We are one of only two countries in the world where the spread of the virus has stopped growing. The country has begun to turn the tide on the virus as education measures kicked in, but there is still much to do.
World AIDS Day is an opportunity for you to learn the facts about HIV and put your knowledge into action. If you understand how HIV is transmitted, how it can be prevented, and the reality of living with HIV today – you can use this knowledge to take care of your own health and the health of others, and ensure you treat everyone living with HIV fairly, and with respect and understanding.
