World AIDS Day marked by red scarves around province

However, those affected are living longer and Kloeckl said HIV and AIDS has become a forgotten disease.

In fact, in southern IL, 86 percent of new cases are in people between the ages of 15-24 years old.

In the US, about 1.2 million people are living with HIV. Cuomo hopes to eradicate AIDS in NY by 2020. “Surely there is no need for all those who are HIV negative to be positive as this represents failure of our programmes to save them”, said Minister Haufiku.

But the report said it is likely that less than a third of HIV-positive adolescents receive life-prolonging antiretroviral therapy. Health officials say everyone is at risk and the earlier you find out, the better.

New Yorker Joseph Sellman said he was devastating when he was diagnosed in 1984 with HIV. The administration of the day did not roll out some such ARVs drugs, as it seemed the administration of President Mbeki was in denial about Hiv/ Aids issue as the then Minister of Health was insisting that Hiv/Aids patients must eat beetroot and garlic. It’s not the awful – well it’s a plague, but it’s not the disgusting death sentence that it was in the 80s.

“We are trying to make people aware that its very simple, and just give them the steps in order to keep from getting infected”, said HIV and AIDS Educator, Dan Rodriguez.

World AIDS Day was observed yesterday and is held annually on the 1st December as an opportunity for people across the world to untie in the fight against HIV, to show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate those who have died. Shortly, the kits would be in place in other high endemic districts in the State.