Thought For The Day – Monday 2^nd December 2024

Yesterday was World HIV/AIDS Day.  

The theme of World AIDS Day 2024 is: “Take the Rights Path: My health, my right”.

AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) describes a number of life-threatening illnesses that occur when the all-important immune system has been damaged by the HIV virus.   There is, at present, no vaccine or cure for HIV/AIDS.

HIV can be transmitted through unprotected and unsafe sex with a person who is HIV positive. All people must be 16 and above before having sex. This is the age of consent for reasons of emotional, physical and psychological maturity, respect and safety,  and there must be full consent and agreement, and never coercion,  before and during every sexual act.  Furthermore, regular sexual health testing is safe, respectful, responsible and thoughtful.

HIV can alternatively and also be transmitted through  blood, breast milk or sharing needles (illegal drugs, whether needles are used are not, are always wrong and are illegal for a reason)  with a person who is HIV positive.

Thanks, once again, to the essential health, medical and scientific and professions, whilst challenging,  medication, ensures people live a very long and very good life with HIV, as medication is taken to avoid AIDS developing.

Under the 2010 UK Equality Act, people with HIV/AIDS have legal, employment and social rights.   Negative prejudice and discrimination against people with HIV/AIDS is wrong and illegal.

We first became aware of HIV/AIDS in 1980s. Leaflets were sent to every home. So many passed away owing to love. Where countries and communities cannot afford health care, they still do.

33 years ago last week, the lead singer of the music band Queen, Freddie Mercury, passed away owing to AIDS.  Freddie Mercury told the world he had AIDS 24 hours before his passing. By fearlessly letting the world know what was very private to him,  and breaking down stigma, AIDS awareness became a vital part of his legacy. His last music video was: “These Are The Days Of Our Lives.”  Though his body was frail, his voice was always strong.

The award-winning  film “Philadelphia”, starring Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington, explored prejudice and discrimination  to someone suffering from HIV/AIDS.  The title song, by Bruce Springsteen, imagines someone experience the challenge of HIV/AIDS. The song could be applied to many challenges people face.

Compassion and care is always needed in life.  In the 1980s and 1990s Princess Diana, Princess of Wales,  broke down stigma and negative prejudice and discrimination by hugging, and shaking hands with, those suffering from HIV/AIDS.

As we begin December, and spread our happiness and light, we think about, and keep close to our heart,  all who are going through very challenging times.