|
"The youth speaks"
The
Star (www.thestar.com.my)
(01/12/06)
Byline: JOANNE LEE AND JOSHUA FOONG
TODAY’S generation of young people has never known a world without AIDS – an
epidermic identified 25 years ago. Since then, there have been countless
efforts to fight this virus.
Yet, many young people are still lacking the knowledge on the subject,
considering the fact that about half of the people who are infected with HIV
are under 25. To date, around 40 million people are living with HIV
globally, and the numbers are not going down.
World AIDS Day on Dec 1 each year is an opportunity for people worldwide to
unite in the fight against HIV and AIDS. But despite all the news headlines
and many efforts to raise awareness, many young people still lack the
knowledge.
On Wednesday, R.AGE conducted a random survey to ask some basic questions
about HIV/AIDS awareness. We spoke to 50 people between the age of 18 and
25.
While many said that they knew what the red ribbon signifies (84%), many
mistakenly mixed it up with the pink ribbon, which is associated with the
fight against breast cancer. We also asked them if they knew when World AIDS
Day was – 94% didn’t know.
From those surveyed, only 32% has ever worn the red ribbon. That said, many
admitted that they do not know the real meaning of what the ribbon
signifies.
“Well, I know it’s about AIDS,” replied one of those surveyed.
Other thought it to be a sign against discrimination of people living with
AIDS.
“The red ribbon is to help AIDS patients,” one said. “So that people can
accept them into the community.”
Those who did know, however, had some interesting things to say about why
they wear the red ribbon.
Arthur Tan, Metropolitan College, said simply: “You may save a life by
wearing a red ribbon.”
 Back to
News Page
|
