World AIDS Day on 1 December brings together people from around the world to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and demonstrate international solidarity in the face of the pandemic. The day is an opportunity for public and private partners to spread awareness about the status of the pandemic and encourage progress in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care in high prevalence countries and around the world.
Between 2011-2015, World AIDS Days will have the theme of “Getting to zero: zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS related deaths”. The World AIDS Campaign focus on “Zero AIDS related deaths” signifies a push towards greater access to treatment for all; a call for governments to act now. It is a call to honor promises like the Abuja declaration and for African governments to at least hit targets for domestic spending on health and HIV.
Some HIV facts for you to ponder on and share with your family and friends. That’s the only way – to learn and share. It’s not a taboo anymore, even in Singapore. Do not be shy?
HIV stands for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a virus which attacks the body’s immune system — the body’s defence against diseases.
HIV can be passed on through infected bodily fluids, most commonly via sex without a condom or by sharing infected needles, syringes or other injecting drug equipment.
There are now more people than ever living with HIV in the UK — more than 90,000 — with around a quarter of those unaware they have the virus.
Here are a few more facts about HIV in the UK:
- Over 90% of people with HIV were infected through sexual contact
- You can now get tested for HIV using a saliva sample
- HIV is not passed on through spitting, biting or sharing utensils
- Only 1% of babies born to HIV positive mothers have HIV
- You can get the results of an HIV test in just 15-20 minutes
- There is no vaccine and no cure for HIV
Read more here : http://www.worldaidsday.org/about-hiv.php
So what’s happening in Singapore
AIDSwalk Sg organised by Action for AIDS Singapore. AIDS Walk 2012walking towards zero new infections, zero deaths, zero stigma and discrimination. Over 4000 people live with HIV in Singapore and many live with it alone. Come Walk With Me and show your support for people living with HIV. All you got to do is register at http://www.aidswalk.sg and show up at 3pm at SCAPE.
Help them spread the word too. Share this page, take a photo and tag Action for AIDS (@afa singapore) on Facebook or #AIDSwalksg when you tweet.