World AIDS Day & Aboriginal AIDS Awareness Week are coming soon!
December 1 is World AIDS Day, and the beginning of Aboriginal AIDS Awareness Week (AAAW), December 1-6, in Canada. Founded in 1988, World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day. Aboriginal AIDS Awareness Week was founded 10 years later to collaborate on an Indigenous response to HIV and AIDS. Both are an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness.
It’s also a time to encourage folks to know their status. that it is important to know your status. When you know your status, you are taking care of your health, and your community. If your status is positive, then it means you can start treatment. Treatment for HIV is really good now a days, but early detection is still important. You can get tested at any health clinic, but Teen Clinics and Nine Circles Community Health both specialize in non-judgemental support when it comes to STI and HIV testing. They also both offer drop in services.
Learn more and take part in World AIDS Day/AAAW
- There are events and activities happening around Manitoba to mark both World AIDS Day and Aboriginal AIDS Awareness Week. Find out more here.
- Stigma is a big issue for people living with HIV. Find out what Manitobans living with HIV want YOU to know here.
- Find out more about World AIDS Day here and Aboriginal AIDS Awareness Week here.
