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By Isabella Lilley

Staff writer

Today signifies an ongoing mission of solidarity. Of remembrance. A representation of the daily fight to educate and destigmatize.

As the first ever global health day first observed in 1988, World AIDS Day has campaigned to educate citizens on the causes and symptoms of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), support those living with the pathogen and honor the estimated 35 million who have died from the progressed form of HIV: acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Health and social services locally and globally have emerged to medically and financially support HIV and AIDS victims and their families since the popularization of the pandemic domestically in the early 1980s. One of the primary initiatives of these services is educating both infected and non-infected persons on what the disease actually is and what actually causes it, in an effort to destigmatize the unfavorable, societal view of the virus.

The World AIDS Day Organization, a campaign based out of the National AIDS trust of the United Kingdom, operates with the intent of “transforming society’s response to HIV.”

Through fundraising events, such as the “Myth-Busting Bake Off” bake sale, the organization encourages volunteering participants to discuss some of the most common misconceptions about the disease. The campaign promotes the understanding that through proper treatment, those with HIV are no longer infectious, and, if treated in time, can live a normal life span. Additionally, as one of the hallmark points in educating the population on HIV, NAT emphasizes that HIV can only be spread through three means: unprotected vaginal and oral sex, sharing of needles, and the passing of the virus from mother to fetus. AIDS cannot be communicated through kissing.

The Greater Community AIDS Project of East Central Illinois, based in Champaign, serves 10 counties through educational and financial means in an effort to help end the spread of the disease and to provide health and living services for those currently infected.

Today, an estimated 34 million people worldwide live with the HIV virus, the first cases of the infection appearing in Eastern Illinois in 1984. GCAP was initially established as the Gay Community AIDS Project, as its founding members recognized the prevalence of the disease in their local gay community. However, as the virus began infecting those of varying orientations and ethnicities, the group adopted the more encompassing name of The Greater Community AIDS Project.

The Champaign House and State Street House are transitional housing facilities funded by GCAP and the Housing and Urban Development of the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission that provide housing for HIV positive individuals and their families who are homeless or are at the risk of becoming homeless. Both non-profits also work in conjunction to supply the Shelter Plus Care program, which places patients in housing while receiving “intensive support services.”

In addition to these living services, GCAP provides trained employees and volunteers to educate individuals and groups within and outside of the program on HIV and means of preventing and spreading it.

Other services, such as the Champaign Urbana Public Health District, provide medical assistance for those who are or who could possibly be infected with HIV.