It is hard to believe that it has been 20 years since AIDS was recognized with a day. And in that 20 years there are have been so many advances in the drugs that slow the progression of HIV, but there is still no cure and vaccine. And those drugs only work as long you keep to the cocktail regiment and don’t have any adverse reactions with that dosage. While the messages about protection that once were loud and visible are now silent and ignored. So please on this day remember to put a condom and protect yourself. And get tested!
Talking about condoms, Lifestyles Condoms has joined with Ashley Judd, actress, Ethan Hawke, actor, Margaret Cho, comedian and actress, Dania Ramirez, actress, Marc Ecko, fashion designer, Dita Von Teese, model, burlesque performer and spokesperson for MAC Viva Glam and Tera Patrick, adult film star to create pop art that is being auctioned of to benefit YouthAIDS.
Lastly if you are looking for HIV/AIDS charity to donate to, please look into Mothers2Mothers. It is amazing program based in South Africa that helps to prevent the transmission of HIV from mother to child and helps the mothers with work and medical treatment after they have giving birth to the children.
m2m is an innovative mentoring program offering comprehensive support for HIV-positive pregnant women and new mothers.
Sub-Saharan Africa shows the highest statistics of mothers and babies infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. Worldwide, 1% of pregnant women are HIV-positive, 95% of these women live in Sub-Saharan Africa. Without care, about 24% of mothers transmit the virus to their newborns, and each year about 3 million of these children will die from HIV/AIDS-related illnesses.
But preventing the transmission of HIV from a mother to a child is a straightforward medical procedure. Its simplest application, a single dose of medication for a mother and her newborn, can cut transmission risk nearly in half.
With the advent of PMTCT treatment in Africa, the key obstacle to its effectiveness is the need for outreach, education and support for HIV-positive pregnant women and new mothers so they can overcome social and emotional barriers that keep them from accessing medical care.
