World AIDS Day 2007: Get Involved

Every year, on December 1st, people all over the world get together to commemorate the struggle in the global fight against HIV and AIDS. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimate that there are approximately 33 million people infected with the disease around the world, it is becoming more and more important for everyone to act. 1 million people in the US are living with HIV, and as many as 25% are unaware of their infection; potentially putting others risk. Additionally, for those infected with the virus, and as is the case with Americans at large, obesity is becoming a growing concern. No longer are those infected just losing dangerous amounts of weight, or wasting. Doctors today are finding that in the U.S., with patients living longer, many are prone to poor eating habits and lack of exercise; many even piling on weight in order to avoid looking thin. But just as is the case with the American public at large, obesity puts these individuals at risk for additional issues, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes are now additional concerns for those infected with HIV. According to the CDC, getting tested remains one of the most important things you can do towards preventing the spread of HIV. But here are some additional things you can do to help promote awareness and action in your community, and support the fight on World AIDS Day and beyond.

• Get tested for HIV. More than half of new sexually transmitted HIV infections each year occur from unrecognized infection.
• Confront stigma, racism, and discrimination that stems from HIV/AIDS.
• Become a volunteer for a local HIV/AIDS group or organization.
• Employers should support employees & voluneers to get involved in World AIDS Day activities.

Check out the CDC site for more information on how you can get involved in World AIDS Day actions. Also, check out the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), and learn more about how you might get involved in their campaign to develop an HIV vaccine.