The global AIDS epidemic is one of the greatest challenges facing the world. As the epidemic continues to expand, virtually no country in the world remains unaffected. According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 40.3 million people were living with HIV in 2005. AIDS has now claimed the lives of more than 25 million people.

What is HIV?

How HIV transmitted?

What is the world doing to prevent the spread of HIV?

What can I do?

About HIV

HIV stands for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. This is the virus that leads to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). HIV cannot survive outside of the body. In order to be infected, the virus must enter your bloodstream. HIV affects the body's white blood cells. Over a period of years, HIV weakens the body's immune system to the point where it can no longer fight infection.

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HIV Transmission
HIV is transmitted through:

• unprotected sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal, oral)
• shared needles or equipment for injecting drugs
• unsterilized needles for tattooing, skin piercing or acupuncture
• pregnancy, delivery and breast feeding (from an HIV-infected mother to her infant)
• occupational exposure in health care settings

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A global response

HIV/AIDS is truly a global issue that requires a global response. Many international organizations exist with the mandate of stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS, supporting AIDS research, and providing treatment to those infected. By signing the Millennium Declaration, the international community agreed to the sixth Millennium Development Goal (MDG), which focusses on combating the spread of HIV, Malaria and other infectious diseases. UNAIDS, the United Nations joint program on HIV/AIDS, allows UN agencies to work together when addressing HIV/AIDS.

In August 2006, Toronto hosted the International AIDS Conference. Activists, community leaders, health care providers and government officials travelled to Toronto to take share knowledge and ideas. The 2007 conference will be held in Mexico.

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Take action locally to change lives

HIV/AIDS does not discriminate. It can happen anywhere, to anyone. In fact, that fastest growing rate of new infections is among 15 to 24 year olds. According to CANFAR, approximately 58,000 Canadians are infected with HIV, but about 1/3 of those infected don't know it.

It is important to speak out to protect yourself and your peers from contracting HIV. There are many organizations locally that you can access to help you get the word out. Check out the Peel HIV/AIDS Network (PHAN) for useful information, volunteer and fundraising opportunities.

Organize a group of friends from your school and plan to attend R U AWARE? Spread the word, not HIV. This event happens every fall for Peel board high school students.

Check out the volunteer and fundraising sections for more ideas. Or visit the links page for links to HIV/AIDS organizations.

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