JABSOM Library: Library Updates

World AIDS Day

Every year on December 1, the National AIDS Trust recognizes World AIDS Day to raise awareness, show support for people living with HIV/AIDS, commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness, and unite in the fight against the virus. World AIDS Day is important because we must constantly remind each other that HIV has not gone away - there is still a need to increase awareness, fight prejudice and stigma, and improve education.

According to the National AIDS Trust, World AIDS Day was founded in 1988 and is the first-ever global health day. Each year, World AIDS Day has a different theme highlighting different aspects of the virus and society; in the past, these themes have been related to testing and knowing your HIV status, HIV prevention, discrimination, and access to health care. 

This year’s theme is “Putting Ourselves to the Test: Achieving Equity to End HIV.” It encourages people to unite globally and eliminate the disparities and inequities that create barriers to HIV testing, prevention, and access to HIV care.

What can I do this World AIDS Day?

There are many events occurring nationally for World AIDS Day. If interested, you can check out the link here: https://www.worldaidsday.org/events/#events. There are some events that are held online.

Additionally, the website includes a memorial space where you can create a tribute to a loved one: https://www.worldaidsday.org/memorials/.

You can also get tested. Getting tested is the only way to find out if you have HIV. If you or someone you know is living with HIV, starting treatment early means you can live a full, healthy, and productive life. Most HIV tests are available for free or at a reduced cost. Ask your healthcare provider or find a testing site near you through CDC’s HIV prevention services locator.

And you can check out some of our incredible graphic narratives on the experience of HIV/AIDS:

Blue Pills by Frederik Peeters; Anjali Singh (Translator)

Call Number: Graphic Medicine WC 503.8 P375p 2008a

ISBN: 9780618820993

Publication Date: 2008-01-15

Peeters' book is an amazingly tender and honest approach to falling in love and committing to a partner who is HIV+. After Frederik falls for Cati, she discloses her status to him. Together, they make decisions based on humiliating visits to physicians, calculated risks of infection, and the well-being of Cati's son, who is also seropositive.

Taking Turns by M. K. Czerwiec

Call Number: Graphic Medicine WY 153.5 C998t 2017

ISBN: 9780271078182

Publication Date: 2017-03-15

This near-perfect book covers life in the HIV ward during a particular period of time: after the public acknowledgement of the epidemic, but before the drug advances that stop or even slow the progression of the virus. In real time, the staff of Unit 371 were building a new model of care to make patients who had been treated as pariahs feel like people again. MK Czerwiec is a nurse and an artist who was part of that process.

World AIDS Day may only be once a year, but the other 364 days of the year are as important in the fight against HIV/AIDS. We must always combat inequalities and stigma. Share information for awareness and educational purposes. Volunteer at local agencies that may need help. Continue to help in the fight against HIV so we can live in a world where HIV is a thing of the past.