World AIDS Day – Reality: Have You Really Wanted To Know

Today, December 1, we look back again and remember; remember the many friends, brothers, sisters, mothers, dads, colleagues, and dearest ones that have left us due to HIV related illness. And we are united to say, never again! At least, not by our action.

It is even more disturbing when we remember, that in those early days, most of these died because there was no cure or management. But worse above all, most also died in isolation. Because we did not care, because we ran far away from them, because we judged them, or considered them too dangerous to touch or associate with.

May be, you did not do that. May be, you did not even know someone who lived or are living with HIV. May be, you are too self-worthy to have noticed. Actually, may be, just may be, you have been too complacent to give it a thought. Yes, it is not in your backyard, so it won't bother you.

But you can make a difference today to the many lucky ones who survived and are receiving life-changing HIV treatment? Or are you still running far from people because they live with HIV? Are you still isolating people, still refusing them love, still avoiding them? Are you still being self-sufficient? If you do any of these, or not doing anything at all, then you are contributing to stigma and discrimination. Perhaps, you should ask yourself, have I really wanted to know?

HIV is not a death sentence, it is a condition. And luckily for us all, it is manageable like other terminal illnesses today; thanks to scientists and all who has worked tirelessly towards this achievement. Only together, can we make a difference. Its World AIDS Day today; Join us to look ahead and say no to Stigma and discrimination. Join to say no to the continuation of HIV.

But you may want to start with yourself, go take a test. Today, a stranger lives with the condition, tomorrow, it may be a friend! HIV is not written on the face.