December 1st is World AIDS Day

Dec. 1st, 2017

Authored by: Sheena

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December 1st is World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day is held on the 1st December each year and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died. World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day, held for the first time in 1988.

Why should youth talk about HIV/AIDS Awareness?
In 2014, youth (aged 15–29 years) accounted for 23% of new HIV diagnoses in 2014.

Some of this population includes LGBTQ youth, and some groups (being street-involved, using injection drugs, and men who have sex with men) are at a higher risk. Having HIV isn’t just something LGBTQ people get – all people need to practice safer sex, and get tested if they are sexually active.

Practicing safer sex and getting tested for HIV (and other sexually transmitted diseases and infections) are all part of taking care of our health!

Where can I learn more about PrEP, the pill to prevent HIV?
The AIDS Coalition of NS is having a a public information session on PrEP, January 31st in 2018. You can learn more about that event here!

Having HIV/AIDS doesn’t make someone bad and there is treatment available to live a long life. There’s still stigma, myths and misinformation attached to living with HIV/AIDS. We need to end that stigma so we can talk about it, know our own status, prevent the spread of HIV, and make safer spaces for people living with HIV/AIDS.

Where can I read more about HIV/AIDS?

Where can I go for HIV testing?  
Youth-Specific Testing Options:

Other Services and Information:

 

Tags: health , HIV , World AIDS day

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