December 01 is World AIDS Day. Since 1988 World AIDS Day has been an annual event organized by UNAIDS. This year however UNAIDS has handed over the responsibility to an independent organization known as the World AIDS Campaign (WAC).
This year’s theme, “Stop AIDS: Keep the Promise” chosen by WAC is to remain their focus until 2010. In previous years UNAIDS had decided on different themes each year after consultation with other HIV and AIDS organizations. As a result of the confusion caused by the changes some organizations have chosen their own themes for the event. In Jamaica the theme is “Stop AIDS: make the promise, get tested,”

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The main focus of the World AIDS day is not just to raise funds but also to increase awareness, educate and fight prejudice. “Keep the Promise” is an appeal to the Governments to make sure that they meet the targets agreed to in the fight against HIV and AIDS. In June 2001, the UNGASS Declaration of Commitment was signed by all 189 members of the UN. The Governments all committed to taking action on HIV and AIDS in the fields of leadership, prevention, care and support, treatment reducing vulnerability and human rights.
The latest statistics show 38 million adults and 2.3 million children worldwide living with HIV. Of that total 300,000 live in the Caribbean. In the Bahamas, Haiti and Trinidad and Tobago over 3% of the populations is HIV positive. There were 24,000 deaths recorded in the Caribbean in 2005 from AIDS.
On Monday the Governor General of Jamaica His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Howard Cooke proclaimed December 01, 2005 as world AIDS Day in Jamaica. The proclamation was presented to Director of Epidemiology and AIDS in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Peter Figueroa at Kings House. Several activities were planned for the week leading up to an exhibition and concert on December 01 at Emancipation Park. Free testing will be done among other things. The Jamaica AIDS Support will hold its fundraising concert at the Mas Camp Village on Friday December 02, 2005.
Despite all the information available today on HIV and AIDS it’s amazing how many persons still remain ignorant of the facts. The ABC approach, Abstain, Be faithful and ‘Condomise’ is still not being observed. Unprotected sex is still rampant especially among our young people. Discrimination is also a major problem facing persons who have tested positive hence the reluctance of many to be tested. I suppose ignorance is bliss however in this case it could also mean a quicker death. Stop AIDS: make the promise, get tested.
Nuff Love