Since 1988 the first day in December has been set aside to raise awareness of the AIDS pandemic, as well as remember those who both live with HIV and have died from this terrible disease.Across the world 32 million persons live with HIV everyday. Sadly millions have died from the disease and millions more will succumb to the illness even in an age of miracle drugs and distant hopes for a cure.
It was a mere 10 years ago that retroviral drugs were introduced that gave hope to HIV sufferers. What was once considered a certain killer, the disease has changed into a chronic but manageable illness. But retrovirals reach only 10 percent of those infected, leaving 90 percent of infected persons to needlessly die from HIV and AIDS.
Despite the dismal news, there is one bright hope that comes with World AIDS Day; awareness and recognition. If you are in a high risk group for HIV infection, I urge you to take advantage of the many opportunities to be tested. Timing is crucial in the treatment of this still deadly disease. If you are infected, the outcome is far greater with early intervention and treatment.
I am so grateful for the doctor I visited three years ago who INSISTED I have an HIV test. He saved my life. While we cannot predict our future, there is no need to foolishly cut short a life over fear of an HIV diagnosis. I have far too many journeys to go before I pass to the next plane of existence. As Doctor Seuss would say, "Oh the places you will go!"
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