Dare to be more mindful: World AIDS Day on December 1st
The corona pandemic is certainly the dominant medical and social issue of our time. Nevertheless, we would like to use World AIDS Day – which has been celebrated on December 1988st every year since 1 – as an opportunity to extend our attention to other people as well.
Like Corona, HIV is a virus that is also rampant around the world. AIDS is the abbreviation for the disease caused by HIV. There are around 88.000 people living with HIV in Germany and around 38 million worldwide. Around 1,7 million new cases are diagnosed globally every year. The African continent is most affected by HIV. Although access to treatment and medication has improved overall, a good third of all those affected still do not receive any treatment.
More attention, less exclusion
And even though treatments have become increasingly effective over the past few decades, people infected with HIV still have to live with health and social restrictions. People affected by HIV or AIDS still see themselves discriminated against or excluded in their everyday lives, at work or in sports. In this respect, we at Ben&Anna would like to use this blog post - quite deliberately outside of our other topics - to draw a little more attention to the issue of AIDS in the interests of all those affected and committed to it.
World AIDS Day reminds and raises awareness
World AIDS Day serves as a reminder of all those who have died from HIV and AIDS. Numerous initiatives, campaigns, and projects also use this day to raise public awareness. This year, for example, one initiative advocated for greater recognition and normalization of employment for people living with HIV. It is estimated that approximately two-thirds of people with AIDS remain employed. Under the hashtag #positivarbeiten ( working positively), committed companies, federal ministries, and medical associations pledged to protect people living with HIV from discrimination in the workplace and to further raise awareness about HIV and AIDS. We expressly welcome this approach!
