Dear Editor
Dec. 1 marks World AIDS Day. This day is to honour those living with HIV and those who have died as a result of having HIV, as well as to bring awareness about the HIV virus.
Many people continue to believe that HIV isn’t something that affects them and pay little attention to the matter. Think that is the case? Then consider these numbers:
• Saskatchewan currently has the highest rates of new HIV cases in Canada, with 13.8 per 100,000 people, or almost double the national average of 7.8.
• 25 per cent of people living with HIV do not know they have it.
• 75 million people have been infected with HIV in the world.
• 36.7 million people live with HIV in the world, which is close to the same number of people living in Canada.
• More than one million people die of HIV every year.
HIV has changed dramatically since it was first discovered, but one thing that hasn’t changed is the stigma and discrimination shown to people with HIV, or perceived to have HIV.
Since HIV was first identified in the 1980s, so many changes and positive things have been created and discovered. People living with HIV are able to live long healthy lives if on the right treatment and have the right supports. But while the treatment and that people can live a long life has changed, we still often mistreat, abuse and neglect people with HIV.
The negative impression that communities often have for those living with or affected by HIV has a far reaching impact not only on those living with HIV, but for their families, friends, co-workers and our communities. Some things from the ‘80s and ‘90s are worth holding on to, but HIV stigma is not one of them.
On this World AIDS Day, here are some of the things you can do to help in the fight against HIV: find out what HIV is and how it is transmitted; get an HIV test and know your status (available at the Sexual Health Clinic); pass along your knowledge to your families and especially youth; and consider that those with HIV are actual people and deserve respect like all other people.
On Dec. 1s we ask the community to wear red of any kind, in any way to help bring awareness and knowledge to our community.
Kent Lindgren
North Battleford
