Today is World Aids Day

Anti-HIV/AIDS advocates are expected today to wear red ribbons to signify support for over 34.4 million individuals living with the fatal disease all over the world. The red ribbon is the international symbol for HIV/AIDS.

Local health organizations are set to launch this month various activities that will tackle prevention and transmission of HIV/AIDS in the community.

This year’s World Aids Day commemoration revolves around the theme “Men Make a Difference,” promoting among men more active involvement in anti-HIV/AIDS efforts to battle the growing national epidemic.

According to World Health Organization Regional Director Dr. Shigeru Omi, “Men Make a Difference” is a two-year campaign focusing on the role of men in the spread and prevention of AIDS.

He added that when men are engaged in fighting AIDS, they are able to change the course of the epidemic. Examples of intervention in the whole Western Pacific Region include involvement of men in the implementation of 100 percent condom use program in Cambodia, education of children and supporting families and individuals affected by AIDS.

Health experts have disclosed that men infected with HIV/AIDS comprise 70 percent of the total number of people infected with HIV in the Commonwealth.

As opposed to women, men are less likely to seek needed health care and are more likely to engage in behavior that increases their chances of acquiring the dreaded disease.

In the local setting, HIV infections and AIDS deaths in men outnumber those in women. Records reveal that while HIV transmission among women is growing, men, including adolescent boys continue to represent the majority of the people living with HIV or AIDS worldwide.

In some settings, men may be less likely to pay attention to their sexual health and safety than women.

Statistics also show that men are more likely than women to inject drugs thus risking infection from needles and syringes, and use alcohol and other substances that may lead to unsafe sex, increasing the risk of HIV transmission.

Such behavior likewise places women at an increased risk of HIV. Citing studies, health groups reveal that HIV is more easily transmitted sexually from men to women than vice versa.

Meanwhile, the Department of Public Health will hold free confidential HIV testing services from Dec. 4 to 8.

Educational video footage carrying HIV/AIDS themes will be shown at the Joeten Kiyu Public Library Conference room on Dec. 9 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

From Dec. 11 through 15, a client counseling training for nurses and nurse practitioners will be held to be followed by the annual AIDS walkathon on Dec. 16.