Where have all the ribbons gone?

“I am not HIV positive but my husband is one and has been for over 15 years. When I first met him I did not know the truth, as we continued to build a friendship he eventually was honest with me. I decided that I would marry him anyway; the hardest thing for me is watching my husband commit suicide. He hasn't taken his medication in almost 3 years. Each day the symptoms become more evident that his health is deteriorating. I plead with him, make appointments for him and cry myself to sleep every night.” said Kiesha in an interview, which made me skip a heart beat.

I dread being either in the husband or in the wife’s shoe. From what I have read, the mental and physical trauma is like no other; you can feel your insides becoming weaker by the day. I fear to even wonder how it must be on the receiving end.

This epidemic has reached epic proportions. According to a UN estimate, this year alone some 49 lakh people became newly infected with the virus. Around half of all people who become infected with HIV do so before they are 25 and are killed by AIDS before they are 35. Around 95% of people with HIV/AIDS live in developing nations. That puts us and our country in a high risk category.

I believe we have reached a point where we cannot overlook its devastating effects nor can we veil it under a blanket of ignorance or indifference. Its time to take charge and spread the message.

The red ribbon as a symbol of AIDS awareness was conceived in the spring of 1991, when it just seemed there were a lot more people ready to support action against AIDS than were publicly identified. It is worn by people all year round and particularly around World AIDS Day to demonstrate care and concern about HIV and AIDS, and to remind others of the need for their support and commitment. There is no official red ribbon, and we can make our own very easily - just use some ordinary red ribbon and a safety pin!

Wear the ribbon, Spread the message of Aids Awareness!