Dec. 1 marks the culmination of HIV/AIDS Awareness Week, with fundraisers and events scheduled across the country.
World AIDS Day aims to encourage the growing fight against AIDS, according to the Canadian AIDS Society (CAS).
“[It’s] a day dedicated to increasing awareness of HIV/AIDS issues worldwide and an occasion to call upon leaders to honour their commitments in the fight against HIV/AIDS,” according to its website.
This year marks the CAS’ 25th anniversary as well as the 30th year since HIV’s discovery in 1981.
These are two milestones that reflect the need for “all Canadians to become engaged throughout the month of November and on [Dec. 1],” according to the CAS website.
That’s why this year’s theme, “Do Something,” draws upon the need for change and involvement from Canadians across the country.
On Dec. 1, Carleton is planning a screening of the documentary, The Woman I Have Become, as well as a discussion of HIV/AIDS, which will be moderated by Sarah Todd, a social work and African studies professor of at Carleton.
The Somerset West Community Health Centre, Ottawa Public Health, the AIDS Committee of Ottawa and Carleton’s Institute of African Studies are also making presentations at the event.
Other Canadian universities have also held events in order to spread knowledge on the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The University of Toronto organized an event Nov. 30. The event featured various performances and discussions from HIV and AIDS arts experts dedicated to spreading the message of World AIDS Day.
“The use of the arts in healing and fostering hope is one of the many inspiring and tangible examples of expertise and the African grassroots,” read the University of Toronto’s website. “This World AIDS day, see and hear it!”
The University of British Columbia also presented a host of events throughout the week, including a World AIDS Day coffeehouse and HIV testing for students, according to a release on their website.
