worldAIDSday - Know your status!

December first is celebrated as World AIDS Day. Each year there is a theme selected and this year the theme is

Getting to Zero - Zero New HIV Infections, Zero Discrimination and Zero AIDS Related Deaths

This theme is backed by the United Nations 'Getting to Zero' campaign that runs until 2015 and it is expected to be the overall World AIDS Day concept for the next four years. Personally I like the theme, it promotes prevention overall, empathy and equality for those affected, and the promotion of research and assistance to those living with the disease.

Like most other countries around the world, Jamaica's National HIV/STI Programme and a few other organizations have various events planned for the day. Although some events are not open to the general public, the following events are.

World AIDS Day Concert at Devon House: This event goes from 8am to 6pm. There will be free HIV testing, information booths and entertainment.

HIV Testing at Emancipation Park: This is another opportunity to get tested. They will be working from 9am to 4pm and will have various activities targeting the youth.

Candle Light Vigil at the Jamaica AIDS Support for Life: At 6pm a candle light vigil will be held to remember the lives lost to the disease.

It is important for you to know your status for the sake of your own health! You can know where you stand with a quick mouth swab. Because the test is done in private the only persons who know are you and the tester. Testers are trained, aware and are willing to answer all those sex related questions you have but have never been able to ask.

Getting tested is something that should be done annually, and of course because my passion is children, I believe it is important for persons to know their status because an unknown status could result in a child being born with the disease.

The goal of getting to zero is possible. With routine testing, the right information and each of us playing our part, we can minimise or even eliminate the spread of AIDS.

Get tested and get in the know!