How do I Increase the Awareness of HIV in the Community?

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus responsible for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) that compromises the affected person's ability to fight off disease. Although not everyone infected with HIV develops AIDS, the virus can easily take control, especially without proper medication. People with AIDS usually die from bacterial and viral infections that their bodies no longer have the immunity to fight against. Although HIV and AIDS are often associated with African countries, communities all over the world are affected. The Office of National AIDS Policy website cites the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in reporting that 1.1 million people in the United States were living with HIV as of February 2010. Drawing your community's attention to HIV can help people understand the condition and support those living with the virus, while preventing further infections.

Instructions

• 1

  Inform yourself and those closest to you. You can't raise community awareness if you don't understand the disease yourself. Know how HIV is spread: through vaginal, oral and anal sex, through the birthing process (from mother to baby), through breast-feeding and by sharing needles with an infected person. Understand that handshakes, hugging and even kissing don't spread the virus. Protect yourself by avoiding illegal intravenous drug use, using condoms and limiting your sexual partners. If you have children old enough to learn about sex, make a fact-focused discussion about HIV part of their education.

• 2

  Wear a red ribbon where ever you go. According to the international AIDS charity, AVERT, the red ribbon is the international symbol for AIDS awareness, intended to remind people to support those living with HIV and AIDS and support educational efforts. Be prepared to answer people's questions when they ask you what the red ribbon means.

• 3

  Tap into social media to promote your cause. Chances are you already have a Facebook or Twitter account. Why not use these avenues to voice your concerns and spread the word about HIV? You can post statistics to show people why HIV is a pressing issue. For example, according to AVERT, around half of all people get HIV before they are 25 and die from AIDS before they turn 35. This statistic would be an appropriate one to share if you want to raise awareness among your community's young people. If you want to send the message that HIV affects all countries, not just poor ones, point people to the You Tube videos posted by the British Red Cross.

• 4

  Organize your own community HIV awareness event. You could sponsor a run to raise money for a charity involved with HIV prevention and awareness, such as AVERT or UNICEF, for example. If you're looking for a more manageable project, focus on your school or workplace. Suggest holding a dance where all proceeds go to AIDS research or sell morning baked goods and coffee to raise money for the cause. Set up Facebook and Twitter pages for your event and notify local radio and television stations. Traditional poster advertising around the community also can help attract attention.