More than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS since 1984. December 1st marked the 27th annual World AIDS day. On this day we show compassion for HIV patients and remember those that died. It is the day we get to show our full support for the HIV patients and light a candle for all those who are suffering from it.  

To spread awareness on this day, we had a speaker come from the Swedish organisation RFSU, who gave us a talk about AIDS. The speaker, Amanda Guy, spoke about how people acquire the HIV virus and most importantly how to remain safe and decrease the risk of becoming infected. In addition to that, the two of us made red ribbons and distributed them among the teachers and students in honour of World AIDS day. This spread awareness not only to our peers, but also to the school community as a whole.   

Ms. Guy emphasised the importance of understanding that having HIV today is not like it was before. But more than that, it is important to remember that it is not only on December 1st that we must show our support, but year-round so that one day, we can eradicate HIV/AIDS.