Through the activities and outings that us IVACians have conducted, it is often mind-boggling to conclude that the Malaysian society, in general, still fears talking about Death (or anything that concerns it).
It had never occured, I stil wonder why, that "We fear what we do not understand".
Thousands and millions of ringgit spent broadcasting Concerts, fairy-tale wedding ceremonies, cultural events and so on across the country but the media coverage on World AIDS Day has never been as "large".
AIDS has claimed 25million lives, being one of the largest epidemics in the world and sadly, young people of the age group of 24 to 35 who are in their most sexually active reproductive years are most prone to the epidemic. The number of children living with HIV has also increased during the past few years.
In Malaysia, there are only two such homes catering for the needs of children living with HIV/AIDS, namely the Rumah WAKE and Rumah Soleha (which IVACians and UPMers had visisted).
Yet, no one would dare to address the issue of awareness to protect the younger generation. None of us had paid attention on the social aspects of this epidemic, such as tackling the problem by taking consideration of the social and cultulre norms of the society.
The red Ribbon is the global symbol for solidarity with HIV-seropositive people and those living with AIDS.
World AIDS Day falls on the 1st of December every year. This day is dedicated to raise awareness of the AIDS pandemic. In 2005, the 3.1 million people of whom lives were claimed by this epidemic consists of 570 000 (more than half million) children!
The idea of World AIDS Day originated at the 1988 World Summit of Ministers of Health on Programmes for AIDS Prevention.
1988 to 2004 : World AIDS Day was organized by UNAIDS.
2005: UNAIDS handed responsibility to "The World AIDS Campaign", an independent organization.
World AIDS Day Themes 1988 - 2010
1988 Communication
1989 Youth
1990 Women and AIDS
1991 Sharing the Challenge
1992 Community Commitment
1993 Act
1994 AIDS and the Family
1995 Shared Rights, Shared Responsibilities
1996 One World. One Hope
1997 Children Living in a World with AIDS
1998 Force for Change: World AIDS Campaign With Young People
1999 Listen, Learn, Live: World AIDS Campaign with Children & Young People
2000 AIDS: Men Make a Difference
2001 I care. Do you?
2002 Stigma and Discrimination
2003 Stigma and Discrimination
2004 Women, Girls, HIV and AIDS
2005–2010 Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise
This year, the theme is still STOP AIDS: KEEP THE PROMISE.
It is always easy said than being done, therefore, it is our earnest hope that at least young Malaysians coming across this blog would be able to address the issues and learn to protect yourself, your family and friends from HIV/AIDS.
HIV/AIDS is more than biological, there are also social aspects that come with it.
Source:
Wikipedia on "World AIDS Day"
