Help shed light on AIDS awareness.For decades, a thief roamed the streets armed and dangerous, robbing unsuspecting men, women and children in cities, towns and villages around the globe. Cloaked in mystery, this phantom criminal did not take cash, gold or jewels; rather, it stole something far more precious—human lives. But in January 1981, the thief was unmasked by a group of doctors who also gave it a name: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, or AIDS.
Since its discovery more than 20 years ago, AIDS has claimed an estimated 25 million lives worldwide, making it one of the worst pandemics in history.
After a period of panicked confusion and misinformation, the global community joined the fight against AIDS, embracing the crimson badge of courage—the iconic red ribbon.
Despite a series of encouraging medical breakthroughs, including the development of life-extending antiretroviral drugs, there is still no cure for AIDS or HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus, the virus that can progress to AIDS)—and both remain at large.
However, the AIDS epidemic seems to have faded from the spotlight in recent years, barely hovering on the periphery of the world’s consciousness, yet it continues to claim nearly 2.1 million lives each year.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2007, more than 33.2 million people were living with HIV—and more than 25 percent had no idea they were infected.
“HIV is still here, it still kills and anyone can get it,” said Maui AIDS Foundation (MAF) Executive Director Keith Wolter. “What we [MAF] want to do is make HIV hard to get, in our islands, and for our families, friends and loved ones… so please, get tested and get care.”
For residents of Maui, Moloka‘i and Lana‘i, MAF offers prevention and education services, in addition to case management, housing assistance, counseling and support services to those infected or affected by HIV/AIDS.
And next month, you will have an opportunity to join the fight against HIV/AIDS. Dec. 1 will mark the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day, and this year’s theme is “Respect & Protect,” reflecting the ongoing effort to increase HIV/AIDS awareness and education, while defeating intolerance and prejudice.
In observance of World AIDS Day, MAF will hold a free candlelight and rose ceremony on Monday, Dec. 1, at Kalama Park in Kihei, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Take a moment to light a candle—and shed light on a disease that is still shrouded in ignorance.
To learn more about Maui AIDS Foundation and World AIDS Day, visit www.mauiauds.org or www.worldaidsday.org.
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