Marking World Aids Day
On the 1st of December the Cook Islands will be marking World Aids Day.
The Ministry of Health has organised a Zumba team to perform at the Punanga Nui Market to celebrate World Aids Day. The free one hour workout session is timed to start at 5pm and finish at 6pm with prizes to be won.
People taking part in the Zumba session will be showing their support for people living with HIV. And they may wear a red ribbon, the international symbol of HIV awareness.
World Aids Day is held on the 1st of 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 tribute people who have died from HIV. World Aids Day was the first ever global health day and the first one was held in 1988.
HIV stands for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a virus which attacks the body’s immune system, which is the body’s defence against diseases.
It is important to understand how HIV is transmitted, how it can be prevented, and the reality of living with HIV today. Celebrating World Aids Day reminds the public and Government that HIV has not gone away and that there is still a vital need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education.
Globally, an estimated 33.3 million people have HIV and more than 25 million people between 1981 and 2007 have died from the virus, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.
HIV can be passed on through infected bodily fluids, most commonly via sex without a condom or by sharing infected needles, syringes or other injecting drug equipment.
Facts
• Over 90% of people with HIV were infected through sexual contact
• You can now get tested for HIV using a saliva sample
• HIV is not passed on through spitting, biting or sharing utensils
• Only 1% of babies born to HIV positive mothers have HIV
• You can get the results of an HIV test in just 15-20 minutes
• There is no vaccine and no cure for HIV -Tiare Ponini

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