Wednesday, December 01, 2010

World AIDS Day



World AIDS Day, observed December 1 each year, is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. It is common to hold memorials to honor persons who have died from HIV/AIDS on this day. Government and health officials also observe the event, often with speeches or forums on the AIDS topics. Since 1995, the President of the United States has made an official proclamation on World AIDS Day. Governments of other nations have followed suit and issued similar announcements.

AIDS has killed more than 25 million people between 1981 and 2007, and an estimated 33.2 million people worldwide live with HIV as of 2007, making it one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history. Despite recent, improved access to antiretroviral treatment and care in many regions of the world, the AIDS epidemic claimed an estimated 2 million lives in 2007, of which about 270,000 were children.





todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful


that I'm still HIV negative after all these years and intend to remain that way

that I'm not responsible for my first thought, but I am responsible for my second thought and the action after that thought

that my home life/relationship still sucks but I still think I'm just about the luckiest person I know

that my experience tells me that life goes on (so far, that's been the case)

for a really good noon meeting yesterday about self-care


Most of us love, to be sure. Yet far too often our love is passive.
We must be proactive in our love in order for it to change our lives.
- Marianne Williamson



5 comments:

Syd said...

AIDS claimed the life of a fellow that I knew in graduate school. He was among the early ones here in the US.

I have been proactive in love. I don't regret that.

Bill said...

Happy December, Dave!

When my partner was diagnosed with HIV in 1990, it was an automatic death sentence. He died two years later with AIDS. I'm glad that great strides have been made since then, but there is still much work to be done. Thanks for posting the information this morning.

Anonymous said...

The epidemic continues here. Thanks for posting this, Dave.

Tabitha.Montgomery said...

xo

Jess Mistress of Mischief said...

I had a good friend who died from AIDS early in the 80s I remember the courage it took for him to let a few of us know what was going on. He was so relieved and grateful that we gathered around him in support, a few of us stuck with him to the end. That was hard to watch and participate with, but well worth the knowledge that he felt loved and cared for.

I wish home life/relationships were easier to navigate, at this point I'm with you in spirit and heart and prayer. And glad that it's not the reflection of my life as a whole. As a whole life is good.