In recognition of World AIDS Day, organizations at the U have planned events aimed at educating people about AIDS in order to prevent further spreading the HIV virus.
The theme this year is “Have you heard me today?” and will focus mostly on females.
The LGBT has joined forces with the modern dance department to talk about how the arts can be used to raise awareness for issues such as the HIV/AIDS crisis.
The groups will present two dance films. The screenings take place from 9:40 to 11:15 a.m., and again from 12 to 1:30 p.m. in the Hayes Christensen Theatre located in the Marriott Center for Dance.
The Student Health Service Center will give a presentation on sexual health at 12 p.m. in the Union Den, and will provide free HIV screenings at the Student Health Center on Thursday, Dec. 2 from 1 to 4:30 p.m., and from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Heritage Center.
According to the World AIDS Day Organization, HIV is one of the greatest economic, social and health challenges in the world. The disease claims five people every minute and more than 8,000 lives every day.
When people become infected with HIV, they do not have AIDS until after the virus damages their immune systems. Once that occurs, they become susceptible to a variety of infections, some of them fatal.
At the end of 2003, nearly 5 million people had acquired HIV, bringing the totals close to 38 million people who are living with HIV and AIDS.