World AIDS Day is held on December 1st every year. This observance highlights the global movement to fight against HIV and AIDS and is an opportunity to express support and solidarity against HIV stigma. Despite the increased awareness about these conditions in recent years, many still suffer from the discrimination that results from misconceptions and misinformation about HIV and AIDS.
HIV and AIDS remain among the world’s most serious public health challenges. Statistics show that, as of 2023, 39.9 million people around the globe are living with HIV, while around 630,000 have died from AIDS-related illnesses. As such, the battle continues, so to speak, and there are many ways through which we can help.
If you’re looking to help raise awareness about this disease, this article aims to give you some ideas on how you can contribute to the observance of World AIDS Day this year.
Wear a Red Ribbon or Bracelet
One of the most recognizable symbols of awareness and support for people living with HIV is the red ribbon, which was created by a group of artists for Visual AIDS, an HIV-awareness arts organization in New York, in 1991. Wearing a red ribbon is a simple way to show your compassion for people living with HIV and to remember those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses. Alternatively, you can wear and give out customized rubber bracelets to spread awareness about World AIDS Day and its cause. Also, you can show support online by adding a virtual red ribbon to your social media profile picture or your email signature.
Learn and Share
Through social media and other online platforms, it’s easier than ever to learn more about HIV and AIDS and to share that information with others. Leverage technology to spread awareness and to express solidarity by reading articles and watching videos about HIV prevention and treatment and by sharing accurate information through your social media pages. By making an effort to not only gain more knowledge about these conditions but also to impart this via social media, you encourage engagement and discussion about the important issue of HIV and AIDS and inspire others to do the same.
Join an Event
Every year, people and organizations everywhere commemorate World AIDS Day in unique and meaningful ways. From solidarity walks, to fund-raising fun runs, and candle lighting ceremonies, there’s bound to be an activity that you can participate in. Check with local organizations and social media to find an event that suits your interests and fits your goals. Furthermore, you can attend virtual events like live panel discussions, webinars, and public Q&As that make participation easy wherever you are in the world.
Donate
Even a small amount can contribute toward the greater cause of ending HIV transmission and the fight for health equity in relation to HIV and AIDS. By donating to this cause, you help drive efforts toward HIV prevention, accessible testing and treatment, and campaigning for laws that can combat HIV stigma, among others. When donating, make sure to check the legitimacy of the organization and to only support reputable groups.
Patronize Brands that Support HIV and AIDS-related Causes
Some of the world’s biggest companies are known supporters of HIV and AIDS-related causes, donating to institutions that fund programs and research in the fight against HIV and provide free testing and treatment. Beyond World AIDS Day events, you can continue your advocacy by buying from brands that contribute to the cause by donating proceeds from their sales or promotions to make a global impact. By doing so, you’re not only buying from iconic and trusted brands, you’re helping save lives.
Get Tested
Among the most meaningful ways that you can raise awareness and signify solidarity on World AIDS Day is to get tested for HIV. By getting yourself tested, you gain knowledge of what actions to take based on your HIV status and reduce the risk of transmission to others. Also, since HIV is transmissible both through sexual contact and through other means, such as from mother to child, through blood transfusions, and the use of non-sterile needles and instruments, testing can give you peace of mind and can inform your decisions moving forward.
World AIDS Day is your chance to make a significant contribution in the fight against HIV and to honor those who were lost to AIDS-related illnesses. Likewise, it is an opportunity to empower yourself and others with information that enables sensible actions and helps banish HIV discrimination. Through simple yet thoughtful acts, even you as an individual can make a big difference.
Image by Anna Shvets from Pexels.
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