What is World Aids Day, why is it important and how can you show your support?
World AIDS Day, celebrated on 1 December every year is an opportunity for the community to unite in the fight against HIV/AIDS, to show support for those who have been diagnosed and to remember those who have been lost to the disease.
World AIDS Day is not just about raising awareness of global HIV/AIDS statistics (although very important) but it’s about teaching the public the truth about the virus, how its spread, its symptoms and treatments. World AIDS Day is also a solid reminder that we still need to fight the stigmas attached to an HIV/AIDS diagnosis.
So how can we celebrate World AIDS Day? How can we contribute to the efforts to raise awareness while remembering those who have passed? You can wear a red ribbon, share the cause on social media and most importantly educate yourself. Here is everything you need to know about the mission of World AIDS Day.
HIV/AIDS is still a very big problem
Yes, the number of HIV/AIDS cases have gone down dramatically since it first came onto the scene in the 80’s, but we are not done with HIV/AIDS. We have made it possible to live long, healthy lives with antiretroviral treatments, but HIV is still spreading and these treatments are not available to everyone. HIV continues to be a major global public health issue, having claimed over 35 million lives. In 2016, 1 million people died from HIV-related causes globally.
We need to remove the stigma
We need to rethink how we view HIV/AIDS to remove the misconceptions and stigma that could keep the disease spreading. Know the facts about HIV, how it is contracted. Understand that it does not affect one community over another- we are all susceptible to contracting HIV/AIDS. The impact of HIV-related stigma is shattering on an individual. Research by the International Centre for Research on Women found a long list of potential consequences, ranging from loss of income and livelihood through to employment discrimination and feelings of worthlessness. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), fear of stigma is the main reason why people are reluctant to get tested, disclose their HIV status and take antiretroviral drugs.
Know your status
As important as it is to educate ourselves, our friends and family on HIV/AIDS, it is equally important to know your own status. Bankmed offers HIV self-testing in the privacy of your own home. Self -testing is quick, convenient and confidential. A self-test is a screening test that shows the presence of cells and antibodies in your blood which fight HIV. HIV self-testing does not provide a final diagnosis and would need to be verified with another blood-based test (confirmatory test). This can be done with your healthcare professional.
What if I test positive?
It is important to remember that a positive HIV test is not a death sentence. You can still lead a healthy, long happy life. As a Bankmed member you have access to our HIV/AIDS benefit programme. You have access to clinically sound and cost-effective treatment suited to your individual needs. And you will always be guaranteed complete confidentiality. The HIV/AIDS programme requires registration, you can do so by contacting our HIV/AIDS team on 0800 BANKMED (0800 226 5633) or email us on hiv@bankmed.co.za. Our skilled and professional consultants respect your right to privacy and will assist you in getting the best care possible.
How can I show my Support this World AIDS Day?
Show your support this World AIDS Day by wearing your red ribbon, educating yourself on the disease and if you’re looking to go beyond that, visit sanac.org.za (South African National AIDS Council). There you can view statistics, news and information on how the government, private sector and civil society are collectively making a difference. Any way that you can spread knowledge about the virus is the best way to show your support.
“Sometimes in life there is that moment when it’s possible to make a change for the better, this is one of those moments” – Elizabeth Glaser