http://www.worldaidsday.org/images/virtualribbon.gif (http://worldaidsday.org)

Today (1 December) is World Aids Day....a reminder that AIDS and HIV affect everyone, can strike anyone, and has no cure yet.

5 people die of AIDS every minute.

8,000 people die of it every day.

3.1 Million people died of AIDS in 2004 (so far)

In many countries in Africa, 1/3 of the adults are infected with AIDS or HIV.

39.4 Million people are living with AIDS as of December, 2004, and over 23 million people have died from it since it was discovered in 1981.

From http://www.avert.org/worldaid.htm
Women, Girls, HIV and AIDS is the theme of the 2004 World AIDS day. Around the world there are many different ways in which HIV and AIDS affect women (http://www.avert.org/women.htm). Among them are :

* Transmission. HIV/AIDS has been thought of in the past as a disease mainly affecting gay men or drug users. In fact, in 2004, most HIV infections come from heterosexual sex. And in heterosexual sex, women are more likely to become infected than are men.
* Mother to child transmission of HIV accounted for 90% of all babies infected in 2003. A drug is cheaply available to greatly reduce the chances of this occurring, but it fails to be provided to many women around the world. HIV can also be transmitted by breast milk, which is easily substituted for artificial alternatives --also, often unavailable.
* Sexual violence is an issue affecting women everywhere in the world. It can be even more damaging when it involves the transmission, sometimes deliberate, of HIV. A new and alarming phenomenon that has been seen in the past decade is the use of HIV as a weapon of war. In conflict areas such as Rwanda and Kosovo there have been reports of thousands of women being raped and purposely infected with HIV as part of a campaign of 'ethnic cleansing'.
* Discrimination is an issue which has affected women for many decades. It can impact on their job prospects, their economic and social position, their access to healthcare and education. Women who have HIV may experience discrimination on two fronts, and if the healthcare services discriminate against them, their lives can be shortened as a result.
* Men are the most common route of HIV transmission to women. In fact, most women infected with HIV have caught the virus from a husband or partner.


What you can do:

-Spread awareness. Post a message, write an email, leave a link on your website. Wear a red ribbon. Just get the word out.

-If you have a few bucks to spare, donate it to an AIDS charity. There are many reputable ones, and you can do it without leaving your seat. (http://www.avert.org.uk/donate.htm)

-Protect yourself, and those you love, by wearing protection.

Lets do what we can to get this epidemic eradicated.

There's such a long way to go, but the world has made some progress. The more people are aware of the problem, the more we can pressure our governments to do something about it. Some countries, like Brazil, have already managed to break the patent law barriers in order to make cheap generic drugs for its citizens. As a result, HIV-related deaths have dramatically been reduced (in those countries).

This is no time for pharmaceutical companies to make a profit. This is a humanitarian crisis.

Ryan White was a major spokesperson for AIDS. He was a boy from Indiana who had hemophilia and needed to have Factor VIII on hand at all times if he ever lost blood. In 1984, he got a batch of AIDS-infected Factor VIII (this was before they tested all blood for AIDS) and he got really sick from it. They didn't give him very long to live. I can't remember how long they gave him, but he lived longer than that. He had just turned 13 when he was diagnosed with AIDS and AIDS finally took a toll on him and he passed away on April 8, 1990.

I will forever remember his story. There is a great book about him - "Ryan White: My Own Story". I read it at least once a year. He raised so much awareness about AIDS in a time when people didn't know a lot about such a terrible disease.

Originally posted by Chambers
There's such a long way to go, but the world has made some progress. The more people are aware of the problem, the more we can pressure our governments to do something about it. Some countries, like Brazil, have already managed to break the patent law barriers in order to make cheap generic drugs for its citizens. As a result, HIV-related deaths have dramatically been reduced (in those countries).

This is no time for pharmaceutical companies to make a profit. This is a humanitarian crisis.

You're right. Too many pharmaceutical companies are hindering our progress against this disease by refusing to give free medications to countries where AIDS is not just an epidemic and crisis, but a terrible reality of life. The more people that are aware, the less they can get away with this.

Originally posted by Chambers
There's such a long way to go, but the world has made some progress. The more people are aware of the problem, the more we can pressure our governments to do something about it. Some countries, like Brazil, have already managed to break the patent law barriers in order to make cheap generic drugs for its citizens. As a result, HIV-related deaths have dramatically been reduced (in those countries).

This is no time for pharmaceutical companies to make a profit. This is a humanitarian crisis.

:clap

it depresses me to think about it. It's sad to think about the state of Sub-Sahara Africa. It makes me more arrogant to think about the asses on the Yahoo board who don't want help for AIDS. For example, heres one of the boards I was on:

Message board (http://post.news.messages.yahoo.com/bbs?.mm=NEWS&action=l&ft=1&board=37138446&sid=37138446&title=Alicia%20Keys%20Calls%20for%20African%20AIDS%20Action&tid=nmmusickeysdc&date=11-26-2004&url=story.news.yahoo.com%2Fnews%3Ftmpl%3Dstory%26u%3D%2Fnm%2F20041126%2Fmusic_nm%2Fmusic_keys_dc_1&.sig=tqY9fyk.rcIklx_fNgIatA--) (I'm there_sa4eva)

back on track, I really hope that the AIDS situation gets better not just in Africa but in the world

Originally posted by TheGreatPretender
:clap Ditto. And there's still so many others...

Originally posted by MissZero

back on track, I really hope that the AIDS situation gets better not just in Africa but in the world

I hope so too. But I have to do more than just hope.

I'm joining the Peace Corps either before or after medical school to work specifically in educating AIDS prevention in third world contries.

I display a red ribbon on my bookbag.

I volunteer for the AIDS Walk.

What have all of you done? Even if it's just dropping loose change into a collection for an AIDS charity, why don't we share?

Originally posted by Pirate Jenny
I hope so too. But I have to do more than just hope.

I'm joining the Peace Corps either before or after medical school to work specifically in educating AIDS prevention in third world contries.

I display a red ribbon on my bookbag.

I volunteer for the AIDS Walk.

What have all of you done? Even if it's just dropping loose change into a collection for an AIDS charity, why don't we share?

I'm trying to get my Youth Center to do something for AIDS benefit for Youth Service Day.

I wore a Red Ribbon today, and was silent during school.

I've donated to AIDS Walk New York.

I've always been sympathetic to the cause of finding a cure and stopping the spread of the disease, even before I ever personally knew anyone who was infected. One of my closest friends is HIV+, but thankfully that hasn't stopped him from continuing to live the same, full life he's always lived. I definitely want to make a better effort of volunteering more of my time and money to benefit AIDS prevention and treatment.

Now this is activism.

"In Hong Kong, a man dresses as a condom to increase awareness on World Aids Day."

(from http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_pictures/4058671.stm)

Originally posted by Chambers
Now this is activism.

"In Hong Kong, a man dresses as a condom to increase awareness on World Aids Day."

(from http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_pictures/4058671.stm)

That doesn't really look like any condom I've ever seen.
I think mostly cause his tennis shoe is sticking out and you can't see the distinctive "reservoir" tip.

Originally posted by Pirate Jenny
That doesn't really look like any condom I've ever seen.

Well that's what happens when every guy thinks he's worthy of the jumbo size. Not pretty. Damn condom industry.

Doesn't matter,the important thinking is :PROTECTION!.

Originally posted by Chambers
Well that's what happens when every guy thinks he's worthy of the jumbo size. Not pretty. Damn condom industry.

Also reinforced by every girlfriend he's ever had.

Originally posted by JoCool
Doesn't matter,the important thinking is :PROTECTION!.

Actually, it does matter. All joking aside, an ill-fitting condom or one worn incorrectly will not be as effective against diseases (or conception), which is why everyone should know how to put one on.

Originally posted by Pirate Jenny
Actually, it does matter. All joking aside, an ill-fitting condom or one worn incorrectly will not be as effective against diseases (or conception), which is why everyone should know how to put one on.

And how to open the wrapper.

Or, him/her could say "no".

Originally posted by cheers_rules
Or, him/her could say "no".

Him/her could say no and have their frustrated partner sleep around and pass the HIV virus to them on their wedding night. And we're back at where we started.

Abstinence is fine for those who have the power to make it happen. But condoms are not an "or." They're a must.

Originally posted by cheers_rules
Or, him/her could say "no".
him/her could say no, but be wheedled into it anyway. Believe it or not, saying no is not ALWAYS as easy after-school specials make it seem.

him/her could say no until they were married under the eyes of your god, only to realise that their partner DIDN'T say no.

him/her may be an infant, and had no voice to say "no" with.

him/her could say no, only to have his/her (especially her) wish disregarded.
In many countries, a woman has no choice as to whether she wants to or not.





I have FRIENDS who are HIV+ because of sexual assault, so why don't you ask them why they didn't say "no." Was their "no" just not effective enough?

Excuse me for being snippy, but that is a very, very ignorant thing to say.

Originally posted by Pirate Jenny
him/her could say no, but be wheedled into it anyway. Believe it or not, saying no is not ALWAYS as easy after-school specials make it seem.

him/her could say no until they were married under the eyes of your god, only to realise that their partner DIDN'T say no.

him/her may be an infant, and had no voice to say "no" with.

him/her could say no, only to have his/her (especially her) wish disregarded.
In many countries, a woman has no choice as to whether she wants to or not.





I have FRIENDS who are HIV+ because of sexual assault, so why don't you ask them why they didn't say "no." Was their "no" just not effective enough?

Excuse me for being snippy, but that is a very, very ignorant thing to say.


You're excused. :) I understand you feel very strongly on this subject.

However, I don't believe that is ignorant at all. I'm not referring to sexual assualt/rape. Truthfully, though, when the woman doesn't have a choice, and when she is being attacked, I doubt the man is going to think for a second about her health. Do you? Thus the teach everyone about condom method doesn't work here.

What I'm referring to is the thousands of people who weren't attacked, weren't raped, weren't infants, but willingly had sex. If they would just keep their flies up and their legs closed, it would cut down on infection. No, obviously a person who is attacked couldn't say "no", but they are the minority, and they are the ones who we need to feel especially sorry for.

I've heard a lot about protection, which is an absolute must. But what's also important is getting tested.

Originally posted by cheers_rules
You're excused. :) I understand you feel very strongly on this subject.

However, I don't believe that is ignorant at all. I'm not referring to sexual assualt/rape. Truthfully, though, when the woman doesn't have a choice, and when she is being attacked, I doubt the man is going to think for a second about her health. Do you? Thus the teach everyone about condom method doesn't work here.

What I'm referring to is the thousands of people who weren't attacked, weren't raped, weren't infants, but willingly had sex. If they would just keep their flies up and their legs closed, it would cut down on infection. No, obviously a person who is attacked couldn't say "no", but they are the minority, and they are the ones who we need to feel especially sorry for.

Those couples have been deflowering each other for ages and will continue to do so. That's what animals (humans included) do. Married or not, people are biologically inclined to do that. Now which do you think will be more effective? Tell everybody to stop doing what they have done for millions of years, or tell them to practice sex safely? I mean, deflower each other safely?

Originally posted by Chambers
Those couples have been having sex and will continue to have it. That's what animals (humans included) do. Married or not, people have sex. Now which do you think will be more effective? Tell everybody to stop doing what they have done for centuries, or tell them to practice sex safely?

I agree with part of what you're saying. Abolutely condoms help cut down the transmition of infection. There's no doubt about it. But they're not foolproof, and we wouldn't be at that point if people weren't as promiscuous as they are. No, don't tell people to stop having sex. Tell them to stop cheating on each other, having sex while they're still in their teens, and having sex with one person while carrying on a relationship with someone else. That would help some. You can't say it wouldn't.

Originally posted by Chambers
Those couples have been deflowering each other for ages and will continue to do so. That's what animals (humans included) do. Married or not, people are biologically inclined to do that. Now which do you think will be more effective? Tell everybody to stop doing what they have done for millions of years, or tell them to practice sex safely? I mean, deflower each other safely?

What the heck's with the deflowering?

Originally posted by MaryElizabeth
I've heard a lot about protection, which is an absolute must. But what's also important is getting tested.


You're absolutely right. I thought about that, but neglected to put it in the post. Thanks for bringing it up.

Originally posted by cheers_rules
I agree with part of what you're saying. Abolutely condoms help cut down the transmition of infection. There's no doubt about it. But they're not foolproof, and we wouldn't be at that point if people weren't as promiscuous as they are. No, don't tell people to stop having sex. Tell them to stop cheating on each other, having sex while they're still in their teens, and having sex with one person while carrying on a relationship with someone else. That would help some. You can't say it wouldn't.

You're right, it would ideally make things much better.
What I didn't like about your initial remark was that you used the term "or." As if practicing safe sex and learning about it could be substituted by absitnence. Both options should be make availabe to people. But since it's so difficult to know exactly what your partner is doing, you're better off protecting yourself. So really, it's the or that made me afraid.

Originally posted by cheers_rules
What the heck's with the deflowering?

Joke. You made sex sound like a dirty thing by talking about keeping ones legs closed and flies up.

Originally posted by Chambers
You're right, it would ideally make things much better.
What I didn't like about your initial remark was that you used the term "or." As if practicing safe sex and learning about it could be substituted by absitnence. Both options should be make availabe to people. But since it's so difficult to know exactly what your partner is doing, you're better off protecting yourself. So really, it's the or that made me afraid. I think a lot of things he's saying is scaring me, frankly.

Originally posted by cheers_rules
I agree with part of what you're saying. Abolutely condoms help cut down the transmition of infection. There's no doubt about it. But they're not foolproof, and we wouldn't be at that point if people weren't as promiscuous as they are. No, don't tell people to stop having sex. Tell them to stop cheating on each other, having sex while they're still in their teens, and having sex with one person while carrying on a relationship with someone else. That would help some. You can't say it wouldn't.

You're right that condoms aren't foolproof. But they are 98% effective, if used correctly.
People have been telling others for centuries "Tell them to stop cheating on each other, having sex while they're still in their teens, and having sex with one person while carrying on a relationship with someone else." In fact, other than the teenage part, millenia. Check the ten commandments.
Has that made "them" stop?

Which would you rather have: a not-entirely-foolproof 98%, or an ineffective method of morality? Or both, just to be safe?

I was watching the special on AIDs on VH1. I was very moved but the one part that really stuck with me is the part when they talked about how pop culture and the media today gives the message and influences people to have unsafe sex, alot more than it did like 20 years ago. I haven't really thought of that before, but it really got me thinking how that's true. ohno:

I saw an Oprah special once and Oprah was talking to this 9 year old girl (in Africa) and her mother who was 29 had AIDS. it was so sad cuz Oprah asked her if she thought her mother would get better and the girl thought fo a minute and then said "I don't know" and it broke my heart. I cried all night.