It’s all too easy to think AIDS is a thing of the past, a disease we no longer have to concern ourselves with, and something only the really unlucky contract.
Contrarily, as a recent Australasian AIDS Conference in Darwin demonstrated, cases of HIV are on the rise. In fact, a record (reported) 1,253 cases of HIV were diagnosed in Australia this past year — this is a scary 10% rise on last year and the largest number of new cases in twenty years. The most significant rise occurred in NSW with an increase in 24%.
These scary statistics show that more needs to be made of safe sex, and that somehow, the message just isn’t getting across. Durex’s latest Global Sexual Wellbeing Survey backed this, showing that 40% of people can’t remember ever receiving sex education.
World AIDS Day 2013 is this Sunday December 1st, and there are two exciting ways you can get involved to help eradicate HIV across the world…
MTV Staying Alive and Durex #SOMEONELIKEME Campaign
On Saturday 30th November, MTV Staying Alive and Durex will host the #SOMEONELIKEME party in Sydney’s Cargo Bar, kicking off the first of twelve World AIDS Day parties across the globe with a huge celebrations including live performances from acts like Yolanda Be Cool, and The Faders.
Tickets to the event will be available at the door for $10 with $2 for every ticket going to the organisation of the AIDS 2014 Conference, the world’s largest conference on HIV and AIDS, which is for the first time ever taking place in Australia in 2014.
Durex will be donating one condom for every share of the #SOMEONELIKEME hashtag so get tagging!
M.A.C Cosmetics VIVA GLAM
M.A.C Cosmetics, who have been supporting World AIDS Day with the M.A.C AIDS Fund year-round, will be doubling the donation to the cause for all online VIVA GLAM purchases this World AIDS Day.
This year the fabulous drag queen RuPaul, who was the first face of VIVA GLAM in 1994, has returned as the face of the campaign with her outspoken burgundy red lipstick which is now also available as a Lipglass.
Shop at maccosmetics.com.au
For more information on World AIDS Day Australia and to find out how you can get involved, visit www.worldaidsday.org.au
