Who knew December could be so touching? On this month, we commemorate the millions of people who have lost their lives to AID’s related deaths. We honor those who fought, and continue to fight, for an HIV free world.

This December, wielding red ribbons, the world stands united in a pledge to fight against AIDs. Unless we can educate people in an attempt to minimize the transmission of HIV, the prevalence of this pandemic will not decrease. We must fight the fear behind AIDs; get tested, get treated, stay safe. Even now AIDS and HIV remain highly stigmatized. Now more then ever, we must work towards making the world more compassionate and accepting, infected or not.

For thirty years, the red ribbon has served globally as the universal symbol of awareness, compassion, and support for those living with and affected by HIV. It is incredible how a single ribbon can hold an infinite amount of hearts. Together as individuals united towards a cause, one has the power to stop the transmission of this disease. Every persons blood runs red.

In the past year, scientists and doctors have made strides towards minimizing HIV. New medications and treatments have been designed to help fight the HIV virus that infects over 34 million people worldwide. Science has also come closer to finding a cure, and now more than ever, we stand on the threshold of a remedy that could save millions. But even with this progress, most know that a pill will not stop the spread of HIV, only precaution and education can do so.

There is a fear of HIV founded in ignorance and misunderstanding. Knowing your HIV status does not change it, however, it does inform you about what you need to protect yourself and others. Thanks to modern medicine, it is not a death sentence to get a positive lab result. With current treatments, people with HIV live just as long as people who are negative. Anyone can live with HIV. The only way to fight the spread is to be educated. People must learn how to use protection and precaution, get tested regularly, and avoid exchanging any bodily fluids by which HIV can be spread.

There is stigma surrounding people living with HIV. The HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) works by weakening the immune system and making it less capable of fighting off pathogens. The virus destroys the body’s T-Cells which are crucial to the functioning of the human immune system. Without these, the body lacks the ability to ward off diseases. With acute acute HIV infection, the T-Cell count will drop significantly. This process can take months, or even years. When the T-Cell count drops below a certain point, the person has AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). HIV causes AIDS.

A person does not die of AIDS, instead they die of AIDS related complications. Before people believed that “only gay men get AIDS” or “only blacks get AIDS.” In the early days of the epidemic, people were in the dark. HIV is not a ”gay” thing. Heterosexuals and homosexuals are just as susceptible to the virus. It is possible to live with HIV. Not everyone lives with HIV virus in their body, but that everyone has been so deeply impacted by the effects. HIV can affect anyone, however, it is impossible not to feel the impact of HIV in society. HIV doesn’t discriminate, so why should we?

The fear surrounding HIV is perpetuated by ignorance. You can live with HIV for months, even years, and not display any symptoms. In that time, it is painfully easy to infect someone else. We are lucky to live in a country where medicine is so readily available.