World Aids Day – 2015

December 1st is World AIDS Day, a day where people, groups and organizations around the world continue to help raise awareness for HIV AIDS, with the aim of achieving the ultimate goal of ‘Getting to Zero’; becoming an HIV AIDS free society.

Since 2008, I’ve been trying to raise awareness in my own way, through writing and through art and this year 2015 is no different. HIV AIDS continues to be a global threat, with an average of 35 Million people living with HIV in 2013. New infections are down from 3.4 Million in 2001 to 2.1 Million in 2013.

In the Caribbean, an average of 250,000 people live with HIV (2013) while new infections declined by 40% between 2005 – 2013. Five countries in the Caribbean account for  96% of people living with the infection. These countries are: Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.

In Trinidad & Tobago 1.3% of young people between the ages of 15 to 24 are living with HIV and its quite an alarming statistic as every day many young people continue to have sex, some for the first time.

In short, we should all know our statuses. We shouldn’t have to wait once a year to get yourself tested. Have one partner and where possible, use a condom. Do all that you can do to keep yourself and to keep your partner safe.

Statistics provided by ADVERT.ORG and WHO.ORG