Remember, remember, the first of December

According to recent estimates, approximately 5.7 million people are living with HIV in South Africa, making it the country with the highest HIV/AIDS rate in the world. There are campaigns, talk show discussions and even music concerts aimed to address issues around this illness. But despite the amount of information available, how much do you really know about HIV/AIDS?

As part of the Government Employees Medical Scheme's (GEMS) ongoing effort to educate our members and future members on a range of healthcare topics, we would like to provide you with some valuable information on World Aids Day.

World Aids Day 2010
World Aids Day was first recognised on 1 December 1988 and has since been commemorated all over the globe. This annual calendar event is an important reminder that HIV/AIDS is still a very real problem facing the whole world and that we need to stay informed and take the appropriate action to help combat the disease.

HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system - the body's defence against diseases. Over time, this makes it difficult for the body to fight off serious illnesses such as pneumonia or TB, which can be fatal for HIV sufferers who are not receiving the appropriate treatment.

In 2010 the theme for World Aids Day is ‘Universal Access and Human Rights'. The United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS estimates that there are 33.4 million people, including 2.1 million children, living with HIV in the world today. Many of these individuals do not have access to the kind of treatment that can help them to manage their illness and live a normal, healthy life. Global leaders have promised to dedicate efforts in providing universal access to HIV prevention, treatment and care, as these are fundamental human rights.

Join the fight
One of the most important and effective ways to help combat HIV/AIDS is to raise awareness about it. This can be done by wearing a red AIDS ribbon to show support and commitment to the fight against the pandemic. AIDS ribbons are easily made with a piece of red ribbon and a safety pin.

Debunking HIV/AIDS myths
HIV/AIDS is one of the most topical issues in the world today, however there is still a lot of misinformation about the illness and myths that need to be dispelled.

• I don't know anyone with HIV

More than one in 10 people in South Africa are HIV positive, which means the chances of knowing someone with HIV are very high. Many HIV positive people are still finding it difficult to be open about their status and therefore hide the truth from friends, colleagues and even family. Others may not even know that they have the virus.

• It is easy to catch HIV from someone who is infected

HIV can only be transferred in the swapping of bodily fluids such as blood and semen. It is most commonly passed on during unprotected sex and in the use of needles that have not been sterilised. You cannot get HIV from touching, kissing or sharing utensils with an HIV positive person.

• Only bad people get HIV

Just like cancer and other diseases, HIV infects people from all walks of life and has nothing to do with who you are as a person. The difference between HIV and other serious illnesses is that it is easily prevented with the use of condoms and sterilised needles.

• If I get tested, my results will not be kept confidential

Healthcare professionals are bound by law to keep test results confidential and are therefore forbidden to tell anyone about your status. Getting tested for HIV is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and those around you.

• My life is over if I have HIV

HIV positive people who know their status and manage the disease with appropriate treatment protocols have just as much chance of living a long and healthy life as an HIV negative person.

A manageable virus
If you are a GEMS member and you think you may have HIV, contact Aid for AIDS, an HIV/AIDS disease management company that works for GEMS to provide you with the confidential support you need if you are HIV positive. They can also help if you simply need more information about the disease. By turning to them for help, you help yourself by taking control out of the hands of the virus and putting it back into your own.

For any GEMS member queries, please contact the GEMS Call Centre on 0860 00 4367 or visit our website at www.gems.gov.za. GEMS will assist you in every way possible to ensure your family's health and wellbeing.

Sources:
HIV/AIDS in South Africa - Avert - www.avert.org
Facts and Stats - World Aids Day - www.worldaidsday.org
HIV/AIDS - The World Health Organisation - www.who.int