Today is World AIDS Today and in honor of World AIDS Day we should all wear red in respect and support of those who have long been fighting for a cure for HIV/AIDS, for those who have lost their lives to AIDS, and for those who are living with HIV/AIDS today.

People think that AIDS doesn’t affect them but the work that the activists, researchers, and doctors have done for over 20 years has already impacted you. Perhaps, it is the reason that you are not infected. Perhaps, it is the reason that someone in your family now has access to HIV/AIDS medications. Perhaps, it is the reason that a young person can have access to a condom instead of bring home a STI, a STD or a baby. The education and prevention initiatives that have been done on behalf of HIV/AIDS has greatly improved the treatment for HIV/AIDS sufferers but there is so much more that needs to be done.

Thousands of people in the US are still refusing to get tested and are living unknowlingly with HIV/AIDS. Their refusal has allowed HIV infections to spread in alarming numbers—particularly to women in heterosexual relationships.  Thousands of people in various parts of Africa are dying without access to medications. Without the proper treatment, HIV/AIDS will and has been ravaging various parts of the world.

HIV/AIDS is not the disease that happens to some people, it’s a disease that impacts all people. We are living in a world community. Until there is a cure for HIV/AIDS, we are all at risk. So, today, in respect and support of World AIDS Day, donate to HIV/AIDS education and prevention initiatives in your community. Every donation helps.