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| India Denim Day |
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| 2009 Campaign Theme - Do Something & Make a Difference |
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The incidence of new HIV infections are rising every year, which is
indicative of the fact that people either aren't learning the message about
the dangers of HIV, or are unable or unwilling to act on it. A large number
of people are dangerously ignorant about the virus, and surveys from around
the world have shown alarmingly low levels of awareness and understanding
about HIV amongst many groups.
A huge stigma is attached to people who are HIV-positive in India and many
of the people with AIDS, in the country, face severe discrimination because
of widespread lack of awareness about the modes of transmission about the illness.
A common assumption being we do not indulge in immoral acts and hence are safe from HIV and AIDS and it is something which can not affect us.
However, HIV and AIDS are so widespread that it does affect all of us and even our future generations. All of us have an obligation to "Do Something" and
join the struggle against HIV and AIDS.
Each individual CAN make a difference. Small acts of kindness and every contribution
to a cause can make a world of difference.
Despite the staggering numbers, the fight against HIV and AIDS can be won. There are many
things that you can do to protect yourself and encourage and assist others to be a part of the fight as well.
Doing and saying nothing makes you part of the problem of Stigma and
discrimination against People Living with HIV. There are several things you as an individual can do, given below are just a very few ideas. |
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- Support a HIV and AIDS cause financially by giving cash / cheque / online payments – one time or regular payments, donation no matter how small helps make a difference.
- Donate your wearable denim garments and be a part of the Denim Give Away being organized as part of the run-up campaign to India Denim Day.
- Donate your time and skills to assist organisations working with issues pertaining to HIV and AIDS.
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- Educate yourself about HIV - Watch the videos on this site and learn the facts about HIV and dispel your myths.
- Learn about established modes of HIV transmission.
- Educate yourself about precautions to take to prevent contraction of HIV.
- Do not feel ashamed to talk about your doubts and fears pertaining to HIV. Seek clarifications from reliable sources and / or trained resource
persons.
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- As there is no effective vaccine or cure for HIV as yet, the only way to protect oneself is prevention.
- Protect yourself, your partner and your family members by adopting safer sex practices.
- If you have been in a risky situation, get tested for HIV.
- Avoid drugs and avoid sharing needles if you use IV or injection drugs.
- Ensure that blood products to be received have been screened for HIV.
Ensure that any needles/ syringes or invasive equipment which might be used on you is sterile.
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- Do not blame an HIV+ person for having contracted the Infection. It Can Happen to any one of us
- Be supportive, encouraging, warm and respectful towards People Living with HIV
- Do NOT gossip about people you know are Living with HIV
- Make it clear to people around you that you respect People Living with and the issue to be tackled is not People Living with HIV but spread of the
disease.
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- Be there for your friends and other people you may know are living with HIV
- Befriend People with Living HIV – help end the isolation they face
- Encourage People Living with HIV to live well, to try new things, to think about education, training, volunteering, and new opportunities.
- Encourage people with HIV to contact organisations and join networks working for People Living with HIV
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- By associating with a HIV and AIDS cause and giving your time and expertise you will not only make a difference in the lives of others but also end up
making a difference in your own life.
- There are a lot of ways you can help and it's fun making a difference with others
- Assist us in our campaign and help us to make things better and to reach out to a larger number of people
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AIDS does not discriminate, and neither should you, against People Living with HIV and AIDS.
Step up - and Take The Pledge. In a few seconds from now, you would have made a whole lot of difference - to yourself - and to a whole lot of
People Living with HIV.
- Make a beginning of doing something and making a difference by taking a pledge
Click here to Take the Pledge and make a positive contribution! |
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| Let's Do It Together |
AIDS is an evolving and changing infection and disease, a condition with
which everyone must learn to live, directly or indirectly. AIDS affects all
of humankind, communities and societies as well as individuals.
AIDS affects us all and we have to come together and join hands in the fight
against AIDS and for India Denim Day. We need you to take a step forward and ... be with us in organizing various
things, volunteer and co-ordinate, help us spread the word around, and make this campaign successful. |
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