Saturday is World AIDS Day, observed on December 1 each year for the past 19 years in many countries worldwide. Initiated by UNAIDS, World AIDS Day aims to raise awareness of the ongoing pandemic that has killed more than 25 million people since the early 1980s. Almost 40 million people worldwide are HIV positive.Despite increases in the availability of antiretroviral medications 3.5 millions people died of AIDS in 2005, half a million of those, children.
Despite these grim realities, there are other sides to World AIDS Day. While we remember loved ones lost to the disease and those around the world who are currently terribly sick, we also acknowledge the many in our community living with HIV and also, the many positive stories of long-lasting health and lives lived to the fullest, despite HIV infection. Also, we may reflect on the tireless efforts of innumerable community groups, NGOs and individuals who've worked for decades to help raise money, awareness and empathy for those living with HIV.
None of us can afford to be blase about HIV/AIDS, and that includes turning away from our friends and family living with HIV.
For your reference, the official site for World AIDS Day Australia offers this sobering information:
By 31 December 2006, there were 26 267 diagnoses of HIV infection in Australia. There were 10 125 diagnoses of AIDS and 6 723 deaths following AIDS had occurred. The annual number of new HIV diagnoses in Australia rose from 763 cases in 2000 to 998 in 2006, an increase of 31%.
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