![Red Ribbon hanging in the North Portico of the...]( "Red Ribbon hanging in the North Portico of the...")
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STOP AIDS. KEEP THE PROMISE
It is that time of year again. That Day when the worlds focus is on HIV/AIDS. The Day where we hope that the following year will be different.
That maybe HIV infections will decrease.
That maybe HIV won’t be passed on from mother to child.
That maybe by listening people may change their habits and not be infected.
That maybe we will find a cure.
It is a day of hope.
It is a day for action.
It is a day for remembrance.
It has been this way since 1988 when the first World AIDS Day was marked.
Things are different not then in 1988. We understand the disease more, people are living longer with the disease.
But just because they are living longer, it is not an end to their struggle. In fact it has led to a whole new struggle.
People with HIV/AIDS are discriminated against. Its a known fact. And we all play a role in it.
There is in many countries, including Ireland, no legal protection for those who are discriminated against due to their HIV/AIDS status. We cover nine grounds in Ireland so why not add another? These are vulnerable members of our society. They need our support, our solidarity, and most of all to treat them as normal human beings.
That is why I wear the Red Ribbon. Let them live their rights.
Related articles
- What you need to know for this year’s World AIDS Day (one.org)
- MTV Turns Red For World AIDS Day, Calling on Young People to GYT (Get Yourself Tested) (prnewswire.com)
- Celebrities go silent on Twitter and Facebook for Worlds AIDS Day (sfgate.com)
- HIV infections declining, says UN (vanguardngr.com)
