The International AIDS Conference 2012 is being held in the heart of Washington, DC! "This is the first time in decades that the conference will be held in the United States, and it represents a significant victory for public health and human rights." The conference began July 22nd and will conclude July 27th 2012 (at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center). Some offices/places of business will give workers a day off to go and get free testing if they so desire. I think this is fantastic! WJLA covered a speech that was given by Hilary Clinton in which she said, "I am here today to make it absolutely clear the U.S. is committed and will remain committed to achieving an AIDS-free generation!" Very wishful thinking, huh? I do not say that sarcastically, but with high risk groups such a sex workers, injecting drug users, etc. this will be harder to combat. This will be much easier said than done. At the same time, I understand that we must remain highly optimistic about the 'wiping out' so to speak, of this virus as it is very serious and very deadly.
In addition, there is also word that there is a new drug that can surpress the virus and prevent it from spreading throughout a person's body. Supposedly if it does this, then it lessens the chance for others to contract the disease. Do we know this to be completely true...of course not, but it means PROGRESS!
At this point, I would just like to emphasis the importance of SAFE SEX practices...honestly a big part of this is that people are just not using condoms (I understand this is not the only way to contract and sometimes condoms break)! If you completely refuse to use a condom, whether you believe your partner/significant other is faithful or not (and esp. with a stranger), or you let your inhibitions go in the heat of the moment, you are taking a HUGE RISK and putting your life on the line. Just think of innocent babies being born already having the HIV virus. A few minutes of pleasure is NOT WORTH A LIFE TIME OF HEARTACHE, GUILT, AND SICKNESS. I used to be a teen advocate in T.A.S.A., Teens Against the Spread of AIDS of Children's Medical Center and we stressed this because it's crucial. If you decide to have intercourse with a stranger or someone you don't know very well, please try to go and get tested together so you both know your status. If you are sexually active, it's wise to carry condoms (that are not expired) on your person. If you go to a club, esp. as a woman, and you decide to drink, bring a friend that will look out for you and do not walk away from your drink. This will prevent date rape, which can lead to contracting HIV. 3% of people in DC have the HIV Virus and this supposedly means that everyday 2 to 3 new people are contracting the virus. PROTECT YOURSELF!
One thing I do agree with is as Clinton said, "If we're going to beat AIDS, we can't afford to avoid sensitive conversations, and we can't afford not to reach the people who are at the highest risk." Will you be making a trip to the convention center this week?
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