Swobidu Health

Dec 01, 10

In 2008 alone, 2000000 people died from AIDS-related infections and diseases across the world. Two million more children live with AIDS, according to the data released by World Health Organization (WHO) and UNAIDS.

Those who are hit the hardest by the virus are the disadvantaged in the poorest regions in the world. In Africa, women get HIV from their husband who engage in promiscuous sex. Reports show that women silently suffer repeated marital rape; they are forced to choose between suffering marital rape or be thrown out with their children and live in the streets, should they refuse to copulate with their spouse.

Every day, hundreds of people die from AIDS-related infections and diseases. A family member, friend, co-worker or loved one may be HIV-positive without you knowing it. But we can help make a difference today.

This year, the AIDS awareness campaign is similar to the LGBTQI’s struggle — to  recognize human rights of people living with AIDS.

Universal Access and Human Rights

The  ”I AM” themeBackgroundThe World AIDS Campaign arrived at the selection of the theme Universal Access and Human Rights after close consultation with representatives of various constituencies, communications and media representatives of partner organizations, and friends of the World AIDS Campaign.

Why I AM?Understanding HIV and AIDS from a human rights perspective can be difficult. Human rights are often misunderstood and can sometimes be seen as abstract ideals with not much practical relevance for real people.

The slogans for the World AIDS Day materials were designed to bridge that gap andunderscore the importance of awareness of Human Rights.

Among the key slogans adopted:

• I am accepted.
• I am safe.
• I am getting treatment.
• I am well
• I am living my rights.
• Everyone deserves to live their rights
• Right to Live
• Right to Health
• Access for all to HIV prevention treatment care and support is a critical part of human rights.

The aim was to provide concise, informative texts designed to illustrate the relationship between Human Rights and Universal Access.

As of August 10th the supporting materials will be available in campaigning packages (four posters and two post cards) printed in English, Spanish, French and Russian. These will also be available to download from our website. Arabic, Mandarin, Hindi andPortuguese versions will also be available to download from our website.

Keep the promise. Be faithful to your partner and practice safe sex

Be safe. Practice safe sex. there are many options  available now, just choose which works best for you.

Be informed. As the adage goes, prevention is better than cure and prevention starts with having the right information. Information will empower you.

It’s okay to admit that you don’t know about HIV/AIDS. We can start learning about it now. here are the basic facts and stats from worldaidsday.org:

HIV is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system – the body’s defence against diseases.

Are HIV and AIDS the same?

No. when someone is described as living with HIV, they have the HIV virus in their body. A person is considered to have developed AIDS when the immune system is so weak it can no longer fight off a range of diseases with which it would normally cope.

How is HIV passed on?

HIV can be passed on through infected blood, semen, vaginal fluids or breast milk.

The most common ways HIV is passed on are:

• Sex without a condom with someone living with HIV
• Sharing infected needles, syringes or other injecting drug equipment
• From an HIV-positive mother (to her child) during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding (but with effective treatment and care the risk of transmission can be greatly reduced)

I don’t know anyone with HIV… do I?

Today there are more people than ever before living with HIV in the UK, but less people report knowing someone with HIV.  People with HIV generally look healthy and many do not find it easy to tell other people, so you may not realise if someone you know if HIV positive.  to learn more about the different groups of people affected by HIV view the statistics.

Is there a cure for HIV?

No, but treatment can keep the virus under control and the immune system healthy. People on HIV treatment can live a healthy, active life, although they may experience side effects from the treatment. If HIV is diagnosed late, treatment may be less effective.

How can I protect myself and others from HIV infection?

Always use a condom when having vaginal or anal sex. You also may want to use a condom or dental dam during oral sex although the risk of transmission of HIV is much lower. You can get free condoms from a sexual health clinic, which you can locate at via the fpa website. Never share needles, syringes or any other injecting equipment.

What’s it like living with HIV?

To read and hear stories from people living with HIV in the UK. Visit HIV Reality

How is HIV transmitted? when does HIV become AIDS?

Learn how HIV can be transmitted and how you can be protected here.

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