December 1st 2008 will mark the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day. The theme this year is "Lead, Empower, Deliver"
There are an estimated 33 million people with AIDS worldwide. It affects every country, city, and town in the world. And, the most frightening thing about it is that is going largely unchecked. Although several Caribbean islands have seen a stabilization in new incidences of HIV infection, certain segments of society are still at risk especially young women between the ages of 18-24 and men who have sex with men. Caribbean people are generally considered to be conservative (except at carnival time, right?). That however, should not keep us from taking a stand to educate ourselves on sexual responsibility, and to get tested to know our HIV/AIDS status. And men you guys need to get tested. Don't just send your girl to the doctor and think that's that. Go with her. It is sad that we are losing so many of our youth to something that can be so easily stopped if we just take the time to be responsible. So this World AIDS Day, go get tested, get educated and check the sites below for more information. At least that's a start!
World AIDS Campaign
AIDS.gov
UNESCO office for the Caribbean AIDS and HIV Awareness Clearinghouse
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