World Aids Day – 2012

Getting to Zero, that”s the theme of World Aids Day – 2012, a theme which started last year  and will continue through 2015.

World Aids Day is recognized on 1st December annually and it aims to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS through education, advice and information. We all can use this day to help contribute in our own way as individuals or nations to help build awareness for everyone. For me, I’ve done small contributions of art and write-ups since 2008 and I know that over the years my articles have touched individuals and actually encouraged people that I know to get themselves tested. I hope that this year it will be no different and that we could open our eyes to the reality that exists with HIV and AIDS.

We might think to ourselves ” I”m Safe” but are you really? What about that time you were so wasted at the night club and you had sex with some random person? Did you know that person”s status before sleeping with them? Chances are that you didn’t  and because you were wasted, chances are that you were not safe. It wouldn’t hurt to get yourself tested, to know your status so that you can protect yourself and future partners.

Did You Know that…

• HIV can be transmitted through: unprotected sexual intercourse (vaginal or anal) or oral sex with an infected person ; transfusions of contaminated blood;  sharing of contaminated needles, syringes or other sharp instruments; the transmission between a mother and her baby during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding.
• 34 million people live with HIV worldwide
• You can prevent HIV transmission by: practice safe sexual behaviors; get tested; always use new and disposable needles and syringes; ensure that any blood or blood products that you might need are tested for HIV.

In summary:–

So peeps, if you are responsible enough to do the “no pants dance” than by all means, get tested. Don”t take it for granted that because you might be faithful that you panther is doing the same thing. Be safe, be responsible. Get tested!