According to UNAIDS estimates, there are now 39.5 million people living with HIV, including 2.3 million children, and during 2006 some 4.3 million people became newly infected with the virus. Around half of all people who become infected with HIV do so before they are 25 and are killed by AIDS before they are 35. Around 95% of people with HIV/AIDS live in developing nations. But HIV today is a threat to men, women and children on all continents around the world.
The red ribbon is an international symbol of AIDS awareness that is worn by people all year round and particularly around World AIDS Day to demonstrate care and concern about HIV and AIDS, and to remind others of the need for their support and commitment. The red ribbon started as a "grass roots" effort, and as a result there is no one official red ribbon manufacturer, and many people make their own. It's easily done - just use some ordinary red ribbon and a safety pin!
There are many ways in which you can support World AIDS Day.
- Raise awareness of HIV and AIDS in your area
- Wear a red ribbon and ask others to do the same
- Protect yourself and your partners - this is the first and best way to stop the spread of HIV
- If you are worried - get tested.
Besos mi gente...
Together we can work towards an AIDS-free world
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