World AIDS Day

December 1 is World AIDS Day. Started in 1988, World AIDS Day is essentially about increasing awareness, fighting prejudice and improving education about HIV/AIDS.

2010 Theme: Universal Access and Human Rights

Currently, there are 3.3 million people living with HIV, including 2.5 million children. During 2009, some 2.6 million people became newly infected with the virus and an estimated 2.6 million people became infected with the virus and an estimated 1.8 million people died from AIDS.

These statistics may be hard to swallow and may not mean much, despite the large numbers-- one way to think about the epidemic is by listening to stories. HIV/AIDS is not a crime or a punishment. HIV/AIDS is a serious, yet preventable disease. December 1 is a great day to tear down the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS and learn the facts.

How can you help?


Learn the facts and spread the word. Tell people about what you know and break down people's stereotypes and negative stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS

Wear a red ribbon. The red ribbon is an international symbol for HIV/AIDS awareness that is worn by people to show care, concern and support for people with HIV/AIDS.


Attend events in Boston and other places in MA about World AIDS day. There's lots of opportunities to get tested, watch films, and get educated about HIV/AIDS all other Boston and MA on December 1.

If you are a Boston University student, support & sign up for Dance Marathon in the spring. (Check out their blog: http://budancemarathon.blogspot.com/) For the past eight years, Dance Marathon has been the largest annual fundraiser at BU. Dance Marathon is able to donate thousands of dollars each year to two organizations that assist children and their families who are combating pediatric HIV/AIDS and fund research efforts to find a cure! (I wish I could do this this year, but I will be in Sydney, Australia studying abroad. Dance for me!!)

Take AVERT (an international HIV and AIDS charity, based in the UK, working to avert HIV/AIDS worldwide, through education, treatment, & care) quizzes and games to test your knowledge about HIV/AIDS, sex, pregnancy & condoms.


This is an important day and it's important we all show our support. In what ways will you support people with HIV/AIDS?