Originating from sub-Saharan Africa during the 20th century, AIDS has claimed more than 25 million casualties, making it one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history.
25 years since then people are still dying from it. Misconceptions such as (1) spread through casual contact, (2) sex with virgins can cure it, (3) homosexual men and drug users are the only infected, (4) anal intercourse alone and (5) open discussion about it will lead to increased rates of homosexuality and AIDS, have not helped in the fight against it.
The mortality have never dwindled across the 7 continents of the world. In fact the numbers are still rising , as of 2007 the figures shows that Asia have topped the list and Oceania is at the bottom. The only weapon potent we have is information dissemination, keeping the people informed about the disease would finally help us eliminate if not control it.
It's already a giant step for this top three countries (in terms of infected people) have put up AIDS Awareness activities to jump up our focus in curbing its rise.
Chinese have distributed brochures in the streets and promoted safe sex by posting warning signs on hotel bed stands. The greatest numbers of infected people in China are from unprotected sexual intercourse between sex workers and their clients.
In United States, President Bush have asked the congress to double the stated funds for AIDS relief to a whopping US $ 30 billion over the next five years. He also saw the need to rededicate and turn the tide against it. He plans to travel to sub-Sahara Africa(where it all began) next year to extend his help to 2/3's PWA who lives there.
A concert was held in Johannesburg, South Africa whereas roughly 50,000 people attendees have flocked the venue.
Ludacris, Razorlight, Goo Goo Dolls and Annie Lennox are among the ones who have graced the said concert. Even the rock band Queen, which lost Freddie Mercury dreadfully have made their new song 'Say It's Not True' freely available for download from the band's website. Roger Taylor, Queen's drummer have reinforced Mandela's take on the disease and said "We have to be aware, we have to protect ourselves and those we love. No one is safe from infection."
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