World AIDS day
December 1, 2005
Despite all the tragedy in the world this year, one monumental tragedy has been taking the backseats -- AIDS.
Today is World AIDS day. Every year more than 40,000 new cases of AIDS are diagnosed in the United States alone and college age students are at the biggest risk.
Fifteen-to-24-year olds account for half of all new HIV infections worldwide, according the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Everyday, more than 6,000 young people become infected with HIV.
We as college students have a duty to quit looking in the other direction. We have a responsibility to take a stand and make a positive impact for our future. The first step is awareness. AIDS is no longer, and hasn't been for decades, a gay problem or a
black problem. It's our problem.
Nearly as many people in heterosexual relationships acquire AIDS as those who acquire it through intravenous drug use.
In Washington State, almost 80 percent of all new HIV cases are attributed to Caucasians.
Today hundreds of college students will sport their red AIDS awareness ribbons. But more needs to be done.
College students need to get tested. It's an important step for anyone who has ever been involved in a sexual relation ship.
Also, make an active contribution to solving the AIDS problem. Even here at the UW, researchers are working hard to help those with HIV and AIDS by providing treatment regardless of financial status.
Just think how far your dollar could go towards improving someone's life.
Worldwide 40.3 million people are infected with AIDS, a preventable disease. Today we must take a stand and show that we won't let this disease affect us any longer.
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