Red Ribbons for AIDS Awareness

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks the body’s immune system, making those living with HIV more vulnerable to other infections and diseases. Despite being discovered only 36 years ago, more than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS – making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.

December 1st is World AIDS Day, an opportunity to show solidarity with the millions of people living with HIV worldwide. It also marks the first day of Aboriginal AIDS Awareness Week in Canada. To raise awareness at MEDUCOM, we posted red ribbons and facts about HIV in Canada, including:

• 14% of Canadians living with HIV are not aware of their status

• 6 Canadians are infected with HIV every day

• Nearly 1 in 4 new HIV infections in Canada are among females

• Treatment has extended the life expectancy of young Canadians living with HIV to their early 70s

• 91% of people with HIV on treatment have achieved viral suppression

• Indigenous people are 2.7 times more likely to get HIV

To learn more, visit www.worldaidsday.org or www.catie.ca.

- Rhiannon