In time for World AIDS Day Dec.1, Positively Aware, a magazine devoted to HIV treatment, announced Nov. 23 that "A Day With HIV In America," a photo essay published in the new November/December 2010 issue of the print magazine, is viewable online at http://www.adaywithhiv.com. Taken in cities and towns around the country on Sept. 21, this series of 100 photos – of which only 26 were selected for the print edition – puts a human face on AIDS by depicting a diverse range of HIV-positive Americans as they live their everyday lives.
"For many people, World AIDS Day is a somber day of remembrance for those who have died from the disease, and a day to educate on how to prevent transmission of the disease. Yet as vital as these aspects are, World AIDS Day should also be a day for hope. 'A Day With HIV In America' reminds us that HIV-positive people are not victims marching towards the grave, nor can they be easily categorized. We represent all sexual orientations, races, ages, and walks of life, and we are living full, complete lives," said Postively Aware editor Jeff Berry.
World Aids Day has been commemorated on Dec. 1 of each year since 1988. The concept of the day was created by two public information officers for WHO's Global Programme on AIDS, James Bunn and Thomas Netter. Their intention was to make this day an opportunity to focus media coverage and general awareness around AIDS prevention. The day was enormously successful at generating interest in AIDS, its victims, and prevention of the disease. In 1996, World AIDS Day was moved under the aegis of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). In addition, for its emphasis on AIDS awareness, World AIDS day is also a day of awareness. Each year, memorial events are held around the world in honor of all those who have died from the disease.
World AIDS Day 2010's theme is "Act Aware," emphasizing the role of individuals in stopping the spread of HIV and fighting prejudice against its victims.
POSITIVELY AWARE is an internationally known and respected magazine devoted to HIV treatment and wellness. It has a circulation of over 85,000, and is published bi-monthly by Test Positive Aware Network in Chicago, the only publication of its kind to be produced by a non-profit AIDS agency.
