World AIDS Day 2005

The theme of the 2005 Canadian HIV/AIDS Awareness Week (CHAAW) campaign supports the 2005-2010 World AIDS Campaign ‘Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise’ of the United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). The World AIDS Campaign (WAC) is an international campaign which encourages leaders and policy makers to take action on their promises and commitments. This campaign also encourages individuals to make a difference through personal pledges, statements of commitment, and by taking action to reverse the epidemic. Added together, these individual and government commitments increase awareness and strengthen both the local and global response to the AIDS pandemic.

Manitoba Health is committed to working with those who are working to put an end to HIV/AIDS, and acknowledges their commitment and dedication. Through commitment to the promise, together we can establish a basis for improved HIV prevention programs and promote understanding and support for people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.

After Twenty Years Let's Not Forget:

• HIV is preventable.
• Although treatments are available, there is still no cure for HIV/AIDS.
• It is very important to provide HIV testing to persons who are tested for Sexually Transmitted Infections like Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and Syphilis.
• It is very important to offer pregnant women pre-natal screening for HIV.
• The biggest barriers to HIV prevention are lack of public support for sexual health and harm reduction initiatives, as well as continuing AIDS-phobic and homophobic attitudes.