World AIDS Day 2013
Lynnsey @ Kids Matter
His name was Ben. I see his smile every time I look at
the person I love. I see the pain he caused and the people he left behind. Ben
had buried his truth so deep that his only option became to leave his family. Years later, Elizabeth, his daughter, would
meet him for the first time, and as they cried in each other’s arms, saying
nothing, it became painfully clear that this tearful reunion would be
short-lived. You see, Ben was dying of AIDS. And as his daughter watched him
become an 80 pound shell of the man he used to be, she vowed to be his voice
and to educate those around her about this horrible disease.
It is this passion that embodies the idea of World Aids
Day. Originally conceived in 1988, it is a day dedicated to raising awareness
of the AIDS pandemic worldwide. Today,
more than 35 million people are living with HIV (the virus that causes AIDS).
It is an epidemic that, since 1981, has claimed the lives of more than 25
million people and has become one of the world’s most serious health and
development challenges[1]
Three decades ago, it was seen as a disease exclusive to a specific community,
however, we know now that though people may discriminate, AIDS does not. It
affects both men and women of every race and does not care if you are gay or
straight or young or old. Some of the scarier statistics show that 95% of new
infections (half under the age of 25) occur in individuals that reside in low-
and middle- income countries particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where access to
prevention education, care, and treatment is scarce.[2]
Many who are infected with AIDS are unaware of their infection which can lead
to unknowingly passing the virus to another person.
Many will ask, “What
can I do to make a difference on World AIDS Day?” The answer is simple. AIDS is
a preventable disease. Just making the personal commitment to yourself to never
have unprotected sexual intercourse can save your life and the lives of others.
If you wish to take it a step further, contact your local AIDS organization.
Non-profit organizations are always looking for volunteers who are willing to
participate in community outreach and other programs that help educate our
communities about the prevention, care, and treatment of AIDS. If nothing else,
start a dialogue with a coworker or change your profile picture to a red
ribbon. Get the word out. Together, we can not only honor the millions like Ben
who have succumbed to this disease, but also ensure that future generations
have a brighter and healthier story to tell.
1.
http://kff.org/global-health-policy/fact-sheet/the-global-hivaids-epidemic/
2.
Global Health
Policy
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