It’s not in the news as much anymore.  But the fact that about 10,000 people die every day because of AIDS might be reason enough to hear about it daily. And there is still no cure and no vaccine.

Some more startling news:
• Since 1981 the AIDS pandemic has been responsible for at least 25 million deaths worldwide, making it one of the most destructive diseases in recorded history.
• Approximately one half of new infections are in young people under the age of 25.
• More than 1 million Americans are living with HIV/AIDS, and at least one fourth of them do not know they are infected.
• Every nine and a half minutes, a person in the United States becomes infected with HIV.

Why are people still becoming infected, in spite of these staggering statistics, as well as available education?  One reason may be that many still believe it just can’t happen to them. Results of the CDC’s 2007 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System show that more than one third of sexually active high school students did not use condoms the last time they had sexual intercourse, which put them at risk for HIV as well as other STDs. In addition, when alcohol or other drugs are used, there is a greater risk of making poor decisions about one’s sexual behavior.  HIV can infect anyone, including adults. It is spread through infected body fluids, usually through unprotected sex or sharing needles. It is not spread through casual contact.

Since 1988, December 1 has been designated as World AIDS Day.  This day focuses public attention on increasing awareness, improving education, and helping those affected by HIV/AIDS. But this work really must be done every day. This year’s theme, “Universal Access and Human Rights,” recognizes that access to education, prevention, treatment and care is a human right for each of us.

Jewish Community Services’ Prevention Education programs provide education about HIV/AIDS to students, staff, and parents in schools and community groups in an age appropriate manner. Members of our speakers’ bureau openly and honestly share their personal stories, bringing to life what it’s really like to live with a disease for which there is no cure. 

Learn the facts about HIV/AIDS. If you have already put yourself at risk, get tested.  To learn more, visit http://www.jcsbaltimore.org/Prevention.

By Robin Sweeney, Health Educator, Prevention Education, Jewish Community Services, Baltimore, MD

The following web sites have more information about World AIDS Day and HIV/AIDS:
http://www.jcsbaltimore.org/articlenav.php?id=192#FAQ13
http://www.avert.org/world-aids-day.htm
http://dhmh.state.md.us/AIDS/HIV_index.html