WORLD AIDS DAY

What is World AIDS Day?

World AIDS Day is held on 1 December each year and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died. World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day and the first one was held in 1988.

Why is World AIDS Day important?

More than 90,000 people are currently living with HIV in the UK and globally an estimated 33.3 million people have HIV. More than 25 million people between 1981 and 2007 have died from the virus, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.

Today, many scientific advances have been made in HIV treatment, there are laws to protect people living with HIV and we understand so much more about the condition. But despite this, people do not know the facts about how to protect themselves and others from HIV, and stigma and discrimination remain a reality for many people living with HIV. World AIDS Day is important as it reminds the public and Government that HIV has not gone away – there is still a vital need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education.

What should I do on World AIDS Day?

World AIDS Day is an opportunity for you to learn the facts about HIV and put your knowledge into action. If you understand how HIV is transmitted, how it can be prevented, and the reality of living with HIV today - you can use this knowledge to take care of your own health and the health of others, and ensure you treat everyone living with HIV fairly, and with respect and understanding. Click here to find out the facts.

You can also show your support for people living with HIV on World AIDS Day by wearing a red ribbon, the international symbol of HIV awareness.

World AIDS Day is also a great opportunity to raise money for NAT and show your support for people living with HIV. If you feel inspired to hold an event, bake sale or simply sell red ribbons, click here to get started. If you'd like to see what other events are taking place — click here and find out more.

But what about after World AIDS Day?

Although World AIDS Day is a great opportunity to get the public talking about HIV and fundraise, we need to remember the importance of raising awareness of HIV all year round. That's why NAT has launched HIVaware— a fun, interactive new website which provides all the information everyone should know about HIV. Why not use what you have learnt on World AIDS Day to Act Aware throughout the year and remember, you can fundraise at any time of year too — NAT is always here to give you suggestions and ideas.

G E T   Y O U R S E L F   T E S T E D

xoxo,

Tae

World AIDS Day

Hey Everyone,

Some of you may or may not know; but today is World AIDS Day. This day is to bring to the top all the issues dealing with HIV/AIDS. Millions of people every year are diagnosed with HIV and AIDS and this senseless disease can be stopped, simply by getting tested and using protection. So please, go to your local health clinic and get your test. If can be anonymous and confidential.

I would like to share with you my experience with HIV/AIDS. Last March, I got tested for HIV, I am happy to say I am negative, but the days leading up to the testing were the worst days of my life. I had to bear it alone, and I could really only tell a few people what I am going through. I remember my first appointment i was suppose to go to. I had to wake up at 9am to go. The night before I cried for a good 20 minutes by myself. I know this is gunna sound stupid, but all i listened to was Lady GaGa and kept asking why I have to go through this by myself. The next day came and I totally missed my appointment. So i called the clinic and got another appointment, this time after class a week later.

I made my way to the clinic, i can remember my heart was beating so fast as i got closer and closer to the clinic. I finally made it and i had to sign in. I had to fillout what my sexual orientation was and if I wanted this to go on my files or just give me a number to use. There were alot of women with babies and teenagers in the waiting room with me. I kind of felt out of place, just because I had never been to a free clinic before.

I got called back and went with this amazing woman. I forget her name, but I remember she said she like to say she was from brazil, but she was really from costa rica HAHA. She also acted kind of under the influence, but it she was still awesome and funny; she made the testing go so smoothly for me. I got the 10-15 minute testing, which is just as accurate as the week long testing. So i got my middle finger pricked and wait for what seemed to be years to hear that I was HIV negative. I hugged that woman and she gave me condoms LOL, i know that sounds weird, but they gave me two bags of free condoms. I walked out the door and called my best friends to tell them I was negative. It seriously was the greatest feeling in the world to know I was negative.

And I want all of you to know that same feeling by GETTING YOUR TEST.



rah rah,
Taylor