HIV/AIDS issues are relevant to the whole community. Whilst gay men are the group most affected in Australia, HIV does not discriminate and people from diverse backgrounds are affected by HIV/AIDS.
HIV is increasing in Queensland, nationally and internationally. As a community we need to talk about HIV/AIDS issues to improve support for people living with HIV and to prevent further infections. World AIDS Day and the week leading up to this event (AIDS Awareness Week) provide opportunities for discussing HIV/AIDS within the general community.
The World Health Organisation declared the first World AIDS Day in 1988. The day, 1 December, quickly became established as one of the world's most successful commemorative days and is now recognised and celebrated every year around the world. Over 190 countries around the globe participate in World AIDS Day each year.
The red ribbon has become the symbol for World AIDS Day. People wear the ribbon to show their concern and support for people living with HIV and their commitment to preventing HIV infection.
"Globally, the pressure is on to make prevention of the spread of HIV the centre point of policy. Australia has lessons to teach. But we must learn not to drop our vigilance. Until a vaccine and a cure appear, education, condoms and protection from discrimination remain the best strategy. "
The Hon. Michael Kirby AC CMG
Member of the UNDP Global Commission on HIV and the Law.
"Over the past three decades we have made significant gains in the fight against HIV in a relatively short period of time. Undeterred by its challenges, we have continued to tighten our control of HIV and diminish it from being a certain terminal illness into a chronically manageable one for a majority of Australians. It is important for us to take some time to celebrate the progress we have made and commemorate all those we have lost in fight, for this battle has cost us dearly. However, despite our achievements thus far, HIV is still here. Have we been able to render HIV curable? No, we have not. Can we afford to become complacent and loosen our grip on this insidious virus? No, we must not.
It is still important for everyone to talk with your family and friends about HIV.It is still important to talk about not contracting and not transmitting HIV.It is still important to talk about HIV testing and still important for everyone to know your HIV status so that HIV has nowhere to hide.It is still important to talk about all these things because through our conversations, we maintain our determination to fight HIV and reject stigma and discrimination. HIV is still here. The choice is yours. What will you choose to do?"
Queensland Positive People General Manager, Simon O’Connor
