Every year, World AIDS Day is recognized on December 1st. The goal of this day is to spread awareness and increase prevention of HIV/AIDS. Because there are so many people affected by this disease in Swaziland, (1 in 4 adults- the highest prevalence of HIV in the world) the message of World AIDS Day here is extremely important. Education regarding HIV for those at risk is the best way to stop the spread of this epidemic disease.
HIV has led to a life expectancy in Swaziland of only 49 years, one of the world's lowest, a 15% population of orphans, and an increase of violence against women due to misconceptions about transmission and treatment such as the idea of "virgin cleansing*." Without education about the prevention of HIV/AIDS, the situation in Swaziland will continue to deteriorate.
Thankfully, organizations such as PEPFAR (The U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) are working to spread awareness and reduce the spread of HIV through clinics, media campaigns, etc. PEPFAR is "
So wear your red ribbon today, and speak up for HIV/AIDS awareness.
*Virgin cleansing refers an idea, widely spread throughout Africa, that if a male infected with HIV engages in intercourse with a virgin that he will be cured of his affliction. This most often occurs by means of rape.
References:
Avert.org- statistics on HIV/AIDS in Swaziland
The-AIDS-Pandemic.blogspot.com- Myths and Misconceptions about HIV/AIDS
Pepfar.gov- Information on PEPFAR's efforts to end HIV/AIDS
WorldAIDSday.org- Act HIV aware picture
