Day 7 | 1 Dec - World AIDS Day | Take control - my body my terms
The UNAIDS 2009 AIDS Epidemic Update indicates that the number of people living with HIV worldwide continues to grow. Analysis of HIV prevention programmes reveals that integrating measures to address gender inequality and norms - including violence against women and exploitative forms of sex work - are critical in long-term solutions to the global HIV/AIDS epidemic. One of the main reasons is because unequal power relations between women and men make it harder for women to negotiate for safer sex and condom-use with their partners. The risk of not having this conversation however, is very high. HIV can stop with each and everyone of us. Exercise control over what happens to our own bodies, and claim our right to define how we choose to engage in sexual relations. My body, my terms. Let's talk about safer sex! Spell out the terms on when and how you want to have sex, and break the stigma around HIV - get tested!
The UNAIDS 2009 AIDS Epidemic Update indicates that the number of people living with HIV worldwide continues to grow. In 2008, an estimated 33.4 million people are living with HIV, 20% higher than than the number in 2000, and three times higher than in 1990. Women still make up 50% of people living with HIV, with infection rates increasing in several countries, including countries in Latin America, Eastern Europe, Central Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.