10 Things You Can Do to Fight HIV and AIDS

Get tested, give your time and communicate

With World AIDS Day 2012 just recently observed, the time is right to up your game and contribute to the fight against HIV/AIDS. 

This is a time for action. Now and every day until this world is HIV/AIDS-free. Here are 10 things you can do to make a difference.

1.GET TESTED  Don’t be afraid and don’t be lazy. Knowing is better than not knowing. Getting tested isn’t like graduating from high school, or getting your wisdom teeth out. It’s not a one-time event. If you’re engaging in high-risk endeavors like unprotected sex, then you need to get tested often. Finding out earlier can absolutely help you live longer. It’s also easy, free and confidential. If you’re not sure where to get tested then click here and find a place near you.

You can also text your ZIP code to “KNOWIT” (566948), and you will receive a text back with the location of a testing site near you. If phoning is your cup-of-tea, just call 800–CDC–INFO (800–232–4636) and they’ll give you a list of testing areas in your neighborhood. 

Also, it might not sound sexy, but go get tested with your partner and show each other the results. Make it a date. Or stay in. But make it happen. No matter what. Get tested. It can sometimes be scary, but not knowing is much scarier.

[ALSO READ: To Be Young, HIV+ and Black]

2. GET EDUCATED  There are many places you can get information on HIV/AIDS, but like anything out there, be sure what you’re getting is accurate. A couple of good places to start are amfAR and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Atlanta-based health heroes boast a rich resource bank that can answer just about any questions you have about HIV/AIDS. They can also provide you with incredible tools to stay HIV negative or stave off sickness if you’re already infected.  

If you’re thinking globally,  then another great resource is UNAIDS, or the Joint United Nations Program on HIV and AIDS, which is striving to achieve universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support. It’s info rich and tech savvy with tools like an iPad app that shows how HIV and AIDS affects different parts of the globe and a data tool that lets you explore AIDS related info in an easy and graphically stunning way.