HIV/AIDS Can Happen to Anyone: Raising Awareness

HIV/AIDS Can Happen to Anyone: Raising Awareness
By: Tanya Grimaldo

Eighteen percent of anything doesn’t sound as significant when expressed out of context. However, when one hears that eighteen is actually the percentage of Hispanics that are HIV positive in thirty-three states in the U.S, the same number eighteen becomes a scary figure. Although African Americans account for the greatest number of HIV positive cases, many people seem to have a declining awareness that those from other races are just as prone to the virus. It is a known fact that HIV/AIDS does not discriminate against age, sex, race, or sexual preference. And, although general statistics have shown that between 2002 and 2006 cases and deaths have remained stable, it is still a topic of great concern --one that is unpredictable.

Since we live in New York, I find it only necessary to mention that as of July 1, 2007, New York is number one in both “Top ten reported AIDS cases within the states” and “Top ten reported AIDS cases in Metropolitan areas” lists. In New York, Hispanics constitute 29.3 percent of the population infected with HIV/AIDS. Looking at the bigger picture, statistics show that as of 2006, the estimated rates per 100,000 people who contract HIV/AIDS for thirty- three states in the U.S are:

Currently, in Latin America, nearly 1.6 million people are living with HIV/AIDS. The number has gone up by 100,000 within the past year and in 2007 58,000 people have died because of this disease. With the alarming rates of people contracting HIV/AIDS one may wonder what it takes to stop the spread of this terrible disease? The answer is knowledge.

It is a fact that there is a higher probability of acquiring the virus through unprotected, homosexual relations among men; the second most prominent way of HIV being transmitted is through injection use, and the third way most people acquire the virus is through unprotected heterosexual sexual contact. Among women, unprotected heterosexual sexual contact accounts for the most HIV/AIDS infections, followed by injection use. However, all this information is not new to us. It has been a repeated attempt to make people aware of what is going on in the world with this incurable disease, in the form of sessions and public speakers who talk about how to protect yourself from diseases such as this one.

But in case you’ve missed all this campaigning, here is the 101 on preventing transmission. The best way to protect yourself is through abstinence; however, if this is not an option for you, there are always condoms. The most important thing, though, is GET TESTED! One quarter of Americans don't even know they have HIV/AIDS because they don't bother getting tested. Also, refrain from injecting yourself with illicit drugs and, before you get intimate with a partner, make sure you try to learn as much as you can about their past sexual history.

The fight against AIDS/HIV has been a long journey, but it is ultimately up to people themselves to become aware and help out in finding a cure, and making prevention a top priority. HIV & AIDS continues to be a threat among many people. Anyone can get the disease, because no one is immune to it. If you would like to help in decreasing the spread of HIV/AIDS or help people with AIDS/HIV maintain and improve their health, one thing you can do within your community is inquire within SOL, the Student Organization of Latinos, on ways you can do this. SOL participated in this year’s AIDS Walk on May 18th and actively raised a substantial amount of money for the cause. The walk, done annually, is to remember those that we have lost, to support our friends, to fundraise in order to help people with the disease get the help they need, and to help in finding a cure. Also, you can stop by Health Services located in McMahon.