• the217
• LGBT
• World AIDS Day and universal access and human rights

Related Media

Related Articles

• December is AIDS Awareness Month
• HIV/AIDS in Our Own Backyard
• HIV prevention & Artists Against AIDS

Dec. 1 marked the observance of World AIDS Day and the beginning of AIDS Awareness Month. This year marks 30 years since the AIDS virus was discovered. This time is meant to be a period of remembrance for those who we've lost to the virus and the loved ones who must learn to live without a family member or friend.

According to the Huffington Post, a number of companies that operate in countries where AIDS is prevalent, including Chevron and The Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GBC), have created HIV/AIDS global programs. According to Worldaidsday.org there were 7,298 new diagnoses of HIV in 2008.

Some of the slogans for the 2009 fight against HIV and AIDS from worldaidscampaign.org include:

• 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.

Education and universal healthcare for those affected by AIDS are central issues, but most importantly, respect and remembrance for those lost will help motivate the world to move forward. We also have the opportunity to cherish those we still have and have the chance to save. Moving forward needs to be a united effort and continue past just one day, for HIV and AIDS will take more than one day to solve.