Monday December 1 is World AIDS Day – a day to show support for people who live with HIV, and to remember those who have died from the disease.
This year’s theme is “Getting to Zero: Zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS related deaths.” It’s a topical declaration, given that HIV rates are on the rise in Australia – and throughout the world.
What are HIV and AIDS?
AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, a disease sparked by HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus.
HIV weakens the immune system, attacking T-cells to make copies of itself. When too many cells are killed, the body stops fighting infection, which can lead to AIDS. In this way, AIDS is the last stage of the HIV infection. However, it’s important to know that not everyone who has HIV will get AIDS.
HIV can be transmitted when the blood, semen or vaginal fluid of an infected person enters the body of another person. This can happen during sex or by sharing needles – or by an HIV-positive pregnant woman transferring the virus to her unborn child.
Unfortunately, there is no safe cure for HIV. While scientists are striving to change that, prevention is key.
AIDS in Australia
Every week in Australia, 20 people are diagnosed with HIV. Last year, there were 1,236 new HIV diagnoses in this country.
That’s what World AIDS Day is all about – wearing a red ribbon to raise awareness and support those who are affected.
World AIDS Day also encourages us to:
- Be aware of HIV
- Take action (such as safe sex practices) to reduce HIV transmission
- Support people in the community living with AIDS, without discrimination or judgment
Get involved in World AIDS Day
This year, there are 175 events across Australia to mark World AIDS Day. There are soccer games, awareness events, testing services, murals, activities, light installations and more.
Visit the World AIDS Day website to find an event near you and get involved.
If you don’t have the time to attend or help out at an event, you can still show your support by buying and wearing a red ribbon. The ribbon is “the international symbol of AIDS awareness and support”.
So let’s all work together to ‘get to zero’.
