Dec. 1, 2014 marks the annual celebration known around the globe as World AIDS Day. People everywhere turn their attention to the HIV/AIDS epidemic that continues to grip humanity with fear and caution.
forwp-incontent-custom-banner ampforwp-incontent-ad1">In fact, one out of every two people living in the world suffer from HIV or AIDS and do not even know that they have it. The event, which is one of the eight official global public health campaigns by the World Health Organization, has been around since 1987 and is dedicated to raising HIV/AIDS awareness. Celebrities, concerned citizens, non-governemental organizations, government and health officials all chime in with facts, figures and educating news on HIV/AIDS prevention and control.
As of 2013, AIDS has killed more than 36 million people worldwide, and an estimated 35.3 million people are living with HIV. Single-handedly, this is one of the most important global public health issues in recorded history. HIV and AIDS can both 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.
With advances in technology, users can get tested for HIV/AIDS using a saliva sample, as results come in just 15-20 minutes. While there is still no cure for HIV/AIDS, progress has been made in raising awareness and education about the pandemic. As Black Enterprise strongly stands in unison with others championing World AIDS Day, we highlight five facts that everyone should know and be hip to!
Living With HIV Is Not A Death Sentence
The average person living with HIV who gets treated as soon as they are diagnosed has a better chance at having a normal life span than someone who goes untreated.
HIV/AIDS Patients Are Not Disabled
In fact, around the world there are countless individuals who are working jobs and are gainfully employed while being diagnosed as an HIV or AIDS patient. Their diagnosis does not limit the jobs they have or can do.
With Treatment Infection Is Limited
According to the World AIDS Day website, those who undergo treatment and consistently take their ARVs are more likely to reduce infectiousness by 96%.
HIV Men And Women Can Have An HIV-Free Baby
A fact listed by the World AIDS Day website finds would-be parents or couples who suffer from HIV still able to have a child. In fact, less than 1 percent of babies born to a HIV-positive mother and father are even HIV-positive themselves.
Discrimination Amongst HIV/AIDS Patients Still Exists
People living with this life-threatening disease still face harassment and the negative stigma that comes with being an HIV/AIDS patient. In fact, one in three people who are living with HIV/AIDS have faced some sort of discrimination.
For more information, please head over to the World AIDS Day website!