This past weekend, Sunday May 16, New York City hosted the 25th annual Annual Aids Walk. Thousands came out to support for personal reasons or just to support a good cause. This 6.2 mile walk began Saturday morning at 10 am with an opening ceremony featuring Jill from the Real Housewives of New York.
Seeing the thousands of people that came out both old and young, big and small, black and white, gay and straight; really makes one realize that HIV/AIDS affects everyone, despite common misconceptions, this is a disease the doesn't discriminate and has become a Global epidemic.
Recent postings on twitter has made me realize how ignorant our society has become; in order to combat HIV/AIDS we need a multilevel, multifaceted approach that not only focuses on the distribution of free condoms but also encompasses prevention tactics in the many forms of transmission; these include intravenous drug use and mother to child transmission. In order to curtail the transmission of HIV/AIDS it is important to KNOW YOUR STATUS! Get tested, there are testing sites all over the world, if you would like to know a testing site located in your area contact your local health provider, or you may contact us as SiSiAbebi@Gmail.com (information regarding anyone contacting FAB will remain confidential in accordance with the HIPAA health laws).
So, we have walked, the question now is what next? The health infrastructure in African countries such as Nigeria needs to be improved in regards to ambulatory services and preventative health services. It is important that civilians know that THERE IS TREATMENT! HIV is no longer a death sentence, therapeutics are now available to prevent mother to child transmission, but in order to benefit from this you must KNOW YOUR STATUS!
So, what are you waiting for? Get TESTED, Donate money and resources to research facilities and health clinics, Spread the word. TOGETHER we CAN combat this disease. Let's not turn our backs on something that is affecting us all "I am, Because you are."
You captured the ESSENCE of this walk! I had such a amazing time and we MUST continue to do all we can!
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