Posted in News on Dec 01, 2017.
World Aids Day is about joining the fight to end HIV and the isolation and the stigma of people living with HIV. The global theme of this year’s World Aids Day is ‘The Right to Health’.
Since 1988, World Aids Day takes place every year on 1 December. It is dedicated to raise awareness for the Aids pandemic caused by the spread of HIV-infection and to mourn those who have died of the disease.
Globally, an estimated 36.7 million people have the virus, which was only identified in 1984. A startling 35 million people have died of HIV or Aids, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in the history of mankind.
South Africa has the biggest and most high profile HIV epidemic in the world, with an estimated 7.1 million people living with HIV in 2016.
In the same year, there were 270 000 new infections while 110 000 South Africans died from AIDS-related illnesses. That’s too much.
World Aids Day is a day to show that we care about people who are HIV positive and to let them know that they are not alone. It’s also a day to remind people about responsible sexual behaviour and to get tested regularly.
However, if you are HIV+, get the right treatment as you can still live a meaningful and long life, because tremendous scientific advances have been made in the treatment of HIV.
Our former president, Nelson Mandela, once said: “Many people suffering from Aids and not killed by the disease itself are killed by the stigma surrounding everybody who has HIV and Aids.”
It’s therefore crucial that we get rid of that stigma associated with HIV, as this hinders people from going to the doctor to get tested.
It’s tragic to see how many young people are contracting HIV. Life is too short. So please be careful.
Amakhosi4Life
Since 1988, World Aids Day takes place every year on 1 December. It is dedicated to raise awareness for the Aids pandemic caused by the spread of HIV-infection and to mourn those who have died of the disease.
Globally, an estimated 36.7 million people have the virus, which was only identified in 1984. A startling 35 million people have died of HIV or Aids, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in the history of mankind.
South Africa has the biggest and most high profile HIV epidemic in the world, with an estimated 7.1 million people living with HIV in 2016.
In the same year, there were 270 000 new infections while 110 000 South Africans died from AIDS-related illnesses. That’s too much.
World Aids Day is a day to show that we care about people who are HIV positive and to let them know that they are not alone. It’s also a day to remind people about responsible sexual behaviour and to get tested regularly.
However, if you are HIV+, get the right treatment as you can still live a meaningful and long life, because tremendous scientific advances have been made in the treatment of HIV.
Our former president, Nelson Mandela, once said: “Many people suffering from Aids and not killed by the disease itself are killed by the stigma surrounding everybody who has HIV and Aids.”
It’s therefore crucial that we get rid of that stigma associated with HIV, as this hinders people from going to the doctor to get tested.
It’s tragic to see how many young people are contracting HIV. Life is too short. So please be careful.
Amakhosi4Life
