WORLD AIDS DAY

“Started in 1988, World AIDS Day is not just about raising money, but also about increasing awareness, fighting prejudice and improving education. World AIDS Day is important in reminding people that HIV has not gone away, and that there are many things still to be done.” ~avert.org, 2006


Tomorrow is World AIDS day. It is again that time of the year when HIV&AIDS is the talk on everyone’s lips. A good thing if you ask me because the more people talk about 'something' the more they stop being afraid of it, the more they stop being afraid of it, the more knowledge they get about it and the more knowledge they have then the more powerful they are to deal with the ‘something’.

As the Government, Civil Society Organizations, stakeholders and everyone in the country and indeed the world prepares to mark this day, we shouldn’t forget the great strides that we have come in the response to HIV&AIDS pandemic.

We have so much to be grateful for; The country is tolerant to issues around HIV and AIDS and more are heeding to the call to test for HIV. There is an increase in Condom uptake showing people are protecting themselves, there is involvement from every sector; religious, workplace, schools and informal sectors to respond to HIV&AIDS issues. There is a marked reduction of stigma and discrimination of people living with HIV and above all, there is an information and health service available to improve and maintain ones quality of life.

I know most of us are wondering what they can do on this day, it’s a Tuesday and maybe we may be at work and wont be able to join in the activities that will take place around the country tomorrow. However, here are some of the things you could do tomorrow, this week or for the next couple of weeks.


• You can wear the Red Ribbon. The red ribbon is worn to show care and concern about HIV and to remind others of their need to support activities on HIV&AIDS.

• Read something about HIV&AIDS. Try to find out one thing that you didn’t know either online, or by asking your doctor or friend. There is a lot of peer education work going on in the country and most of us have knowledge about HIV&AIDS that would shock doctors. Seeking information just makes you learn one or two more things that could make you or your partner or friend live a better life.

• You can reach out in understanding to someone that you know is living with HIV and could use a friend. Talk to them, tell them that you care. This is a difficult week for most of us and we all could do with a pal who would just…well, listen.

• You and your friends can spend a day in one of the homes for orphans nearest to you. HIV&AIDS accounts for the highest number of orphans

• Go for a HIV test. This is the only sure way for one to know if they have HIV or not and to live a better and healthy life. This is also the only sure way of reducing new and secondary infections of HIV.

If you have sometime; please join in and participate in any activity nearer to you and learn.