HIV Is On The Rise

Today is World Aids Day (December 1st). Worlds Aids Day is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic. Since it originated in 1988, there have been countless organizations and charities that have helped the cause by promoting awareness. "AIDS has killed more than 25 million people, with an estimated 38.6 million people living with HIV, making it one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history."

The rate of new infections among gay men under 30 in New York City rose 33 percent from 2001 to 2006.

The number of gay and bisexual men in the U.S. with HIV or AIDS has risen 13 percent in just the last four years.

Each year 3,000 adolescents contract sexually transmitted diseases, which is about one in four sexually experienced teens.

Black women represented 67% of AIDS diagnoses in women in 2006, though they make up just 12-13% of the population.

In the 50 states and the District of Columbia, an estimated 14,216 black men were diagnosed with AIDS in 2005, compared to 10,852 white men, 6,558 Hispanics, 444 Asian/Pacific Islanders and 152 Native Americans. This means that black men made up 44% of AIDS diagnoses in men during 2005.

Be safe ya'll. Wrap it up. It's your life. Know who you're getting involved with. It is YOUR life and it is in YOUR hands. Hopefully we find a cure for this horrible disease really soon, but until then all you can do is protect yourself and get tested.