Twinkling lights illuminate houses. Glistening snowflakes cover the sidewalks. The rich smell of homemade cookies fill homes along with laughter, mistletoe and presents. December is a month full of warm memories, meanings and traditions. More than just a celebration of holidays, it's a time to reflect on the past 12 months and prepare for a new year. Take time to remember the month of December is AIDS Awareness Month, and Dec. 1 is World AIDS Day.
AIDS or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in humans. An individual may live with HIV for several years before developing AIDS. The first cases were identified in 1981. Since then the epidemic has spread across the country and the world showing no discrimination between age, gender, income, race or sexuality.
World AIDS Day is dedicated to raising awareness of this epidemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. Currently, AIDS can be considered one of the most deadly epidemics in history, killing more than 25 million people. About 38.6 million more people are living with HIV. In 2005, this destructive disease has taken the lives of 3.1 million individuals.
In 2003, Africa was home to two thirds of the world's people living with HIV/AIDS even though it only makes up about 11 percent of the world's total population. An estimated 2 million African people have died within the past year, leaving millions of children orphaned. These deaths are taking a major toll on their country, slowing economic growth and human capital, impacting agriculture, education and human resources.
Presently there is no known cure. Treatments are available to slow the progression but can be very expensive and unobtainable. HIV is transmitted through direct contact with a mucus membrane or bloodstream. Transmission can come from unprotected sex, blood transfusions, contaminated hypodermic needles and during pregnancy between mother and baby.
The new cases expected to develop by 2010 can be avoided by increasing prevention strategies and awareness of the disease. Prevention strategies should be implemented at the community, local, and national level to effectively communicate awareness, safe sex, and dangerous intravenous drug use.
World AIDS Day has been observed by governments, international organizations and charities around the world since 1988. Each year, the campaign takes on a new theme with 2007-2008 initiating the “Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise #- Leadership.”
The World AIDS Campaign states, “We know that significant advances in the response to HIV have been achieved when there is strong and committed leadership. Leaders are distinguished by their action, innovation and vision; their personal example and engagement of others; and their perseverance in the face of obstacles and challenges,” adding that, “Leadership must be demonstrated at every level to get ahead of the epidemic.”
The spread of HIV/AIDS has reached a crucial moment in our history and has become a major public health concern. HIV/AIDS is preventable and can be stopped. Every day, new research has shown improvement in health care, prevention, and awareness. Currently, New York state has the most AIDS cases then any other state in the United States.
“Leadership” has been chosen by the World AIDS Campaign as the theme for World AIDS Day slogan “Stop AIDS. Keep the promise.” Current leaders, from every sector of government must begin to address this major public health concern. Leadership is key to a long-term response to this epidemic.
Quote of the week:
“Over and over, these men cry out against the weight of so many losses-not just a lover dead, but friends and friends of friends, dozens of them, until it seems that AIDS is all there is and all there ever will be.”
- Jane Gross
Amanda Derby is the housing advocate for Options. Call her at 255-3447.
World AIDS Day is dedicated to raising awareness of this epidemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. Currently, AIDS can be considered one of the most deadly epidemics in history, killing more than 25 million people. About 38.6 million more people are living with HIV. In 2005, this destructive disease has taken the lives of 3.1 million individuals.
In 2003, Africa was home to two thirds of the world's people living with HIV/AIDS even though it only makes up about 11 percent of the world's total population. An estimated 2 million African people have died within the past year, leaving millions of children orphaned. These deaths are taking a major toll on their country, slowing economic growth and human capital, impacting agriculture, education and human resources.
Presently there is no known cure. Treatments are available to slow the progression but can be very expensive and unobtainable. HIV is transmitted through direct contact with a mucus membrane or bloodstream. Transmission can come from unprotected sex, blood transfusions, contaminated hypodermic needles and during pregnancy between mother and baby.
The new cases expected to develop by 2010 can be avoided by increasing prevention strategies and awareness of the disease. Prevention strategies should be implemented at the community, local, and national level to effectively communicate awareness, safe sex, and dangerous intravenous drug use.
World AIDS Day has been observed by governments, international organizations and charities around the world since 1988. Each year, the campaign takes on a new theme with 2007-2008 initiating the “Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise #- Leadership.”
The World AIDS Campaign states, “We know that significant advances in the response to HIV have been achieved when there is strong and committed leadership. Leaders are distinguished by their action, innovation and vision; their personal example and engagement of others; and their perseverance in the face of obstacles and challenges,” adding that, “Leadership must be demonstrated at every level to get ahead of the epidemic.”
The spread of HIV/AIDS has reached a crucial moment in our history and has become a major public health concern. HIV/AIDS is preventable and can be stopped. Every day, new research has shown improvement in health care, prevention, and awareness. Currently, New York state has the most AIDS cases then any other state in the United States.
“Leadership” has been chosen by the World AIDS Campaign as the theme for World AIDS Day slogan “Stop AIDS. Keep the promise.” Current leaders, from every sector of government must begin to address this major public health concern. Leadership is key to a long-term response to this epidemic.
Quote of the week:
“Over and over, these men cry out against the weight of so many losses-not just a lover dead, but friends and friends of friends, dozens of them, until it seems that AIDS is all there is and all there ever will be.”
- Jane Gross
Amanda Derby is the housing advocate for Options. Call her at 255-3447.
The Citizens' Say
There are No comments posted.