LOVEamplified

World AIDS Day.

being observed on December 1st each year worldwide.

Over 33 million people in the world are living with HIV and AIDS. Today in Singapore, at least one person is newly diagnosed with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, per day. People still hold many myths and misconceptions that contribute to new HIV infections every day. It is fueled by fear, apathy, ignorance or misunderstanding. While there is no known cure for HIV/AIDS, people around the world can offer hope, understanding, awareness and love. We can do something here in Singapore, today.

Don't let AIDS stand in the way of love.

WHAT IS HIV & AIDS?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). HIV is the virus that enters the body. AIDS is the condition that develops at the late stage of HIV infections. When HIV enters the body, a person's defence system against diseases weakens.


HOW CAN ONE TELL?

You cannot tell if a person has HIV just by looking at him or her. There are no symptoms at the early stages. This can last for 5 to 8 years if a person is not on medication.

Symptoms only occur at the late stage when a person develops AIDS. Many people are only aware of their HIV status after the symptoms appear.

Take responsibility for your health by going for HIV testing early. Starting anti-viral medications early delays the onset of AIDS and enables an HIV-infected person to live a regular and productive live.


HOW A PERSON CAN GET HIV?

HIV is transmitted through specific fluids. The only fluids that HIV can be transmitted by are: blood, sexual fluids (semen and vaginal fluids) and breast milk.

Through unprotected sex.
In Singapore, HIV is most commonly spread through sex. More than 90% of all infections is through sexual intercourse.

Through sharing of needles.
Don't share needles or abuse drugs.

Through contaminated blood transfusion.
All blood donated in Singapore is tested for HIV. Thus blood transfusion is safe in Singapore. However, if you need medical treatment while overseas, take care at the local hospital to use only screened blood.

From an infected mother to her child.
An infected mother can pass HIV to her child during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding. Presently, all pregnant women are offered a pre-natal HIV screening. There is an option to opt out. We encourage all women to take charge of their lives to protect their child. If a mother is tested to be HIV positive, she can go on treatment to significantly reduce the chances of transmitting HIV to her unborn child.


HOW HIV IS NOT SPREAD?

HIV cannot be transmitted through these fluids: sweat, saliva, tears and urine.

HIV is not spread through casual contact, such as:
• Ordinary social contact like hugging or shaking hands
• Sharing of meals
• Using of toilets seats or common facilities

HIV is also not spread through airborne viruses or through insects, which is why you will not get HIV from:
• Coughs and sneezes
• Bites from mosquitoes and other insects


HOW YOU CAN PROTECT YOURSELF?

HIV doesn't "select" people to infect. Moreover, there is no known cure for HIV/AIDS. So to protect yourself, you need to know how you can avoid getting infected.

Stay Away
You have the right to choose and the power to do what you want. If waiting for the one and only is what you want, do it and be happy. Just remember, when the one comes, both of you can go for a test just to be sure.

Stay Faithful
Finding the love of your life is a wonderful moment. When you have found him/her, do what you can to make it work. Be open and honest and share your thoughts and feelings. This helps to keep the relationship happy and strong. If you want to start going unprotected, you can go for a test and stay committed.

Stay Covered
People have commented that, 'in the heat of the moment' or under the influence of alcohol, they were not able to access their risk. No one wants to live with the fear and anxiety of not knowing if they are infected. All it takes is to make the decision now to protect yourself and stick to it. Having protected sex - using a condom - takes only one step. Be strong, believe in yourself and think about your future.

Stay Aware
You are responsible for yourself, and your partner. If you know that you might have put yourself at risk, go for a HIV test. Once you put your mind to it and believe that this is what you can do, do it and you will have ease of mind. You just need to take the first step.


THE MYTHS & FACTS

So you think you know about AIDS? Check again. A lot of what you may think is true about HIV/AIDS may be, in fact, myths or misconceptions. So read on and Myths and Facts.

Q: I'm not homosexual so I'm safe, right?
A: Sorry, you're wrong. Being straight doesn't mean you can't get HIV. In fact, 60% of people get HIV through heterosexual sex.

Q: She looks healthy, so she must be safe right?
A: Wrong again. Only an HIV test can determine if someone is HIV positive. People with HIV can still look and feel well in the early stages.

Q: I won't get infected with HIV if I don't sleep around with different people or visit sex workers.
A: HIV does not select people to infect. As long as you have had sex with someone who has HIV/AIDS, you can be infected, even if it is only once. It is not who you are that puts you at risk but what you do. You can never be sure of the person's status unless you know his/her HIV test result, so always protect yourself.

Q: If I ask my boyfriend to get an HIV Test, will he think I don't trust him?
A: Getting tested for HIV as a couple gives both parties peace of mind and is a good way to take your relationship to the next level. Trust comes when both parties are open and honest with each other.

Q: I don't know anyone with AIDS. So why would I need to know more about it?
A: AIDS doesn't discriminate. Educating yourself and your loved ones about it can save lives. By understanding HIV/AIDS better, we can also help correct any myths and misconceptions. When we know the facts, accepting people with HIV/AIDS is easier and we can reduce the discrimination that they face today.

Q: I've only had sex with one or very few people, so wouldn't I have less risk of getting infected?
A: It's not how many people you sleep with. All you need is to have sexual intercourse with one infected person and you can be at risk of being HIV positive.

Q: I've just kissed a person with HIV/AIDS. Will I get infected?
A: An exchange of specific fluids is necessary for HIV transmission to occur, in this case, blood. You will not get HIV by dry kissing on the lips. Do note that if you are deep kissing, in the event that both parties have open cuts or sores in their mouths and there is a direct exchange of blood, then there is a possibility that HIV infection can occur. Otherwise, saliva cannot transmit HIV. You make the choice. With the accurate knowledge that you have, make a decision to exercise your rights.

Q: I've got myself tested for HIV and my result is negative, so I should be ok right?
A: Not necessarily. Click here to find out.

Q: Condoms are not 100% safe, so I might as well not use them?
A: If you engage in sexual intercourse, condoms are the only means of protection. Just make sure you use it correctly and all the time. If you choose not to use it sometimes, there is a possibility you can get infected. If you choose not to use condoms to protect yourself, then you should abstain or be in a faithful relationship. Otherwise, condoms are your best bet.


NO LABELS PLEASE.

People diagnosed with HIV/AIDS are often shunned or discriminated against. Those who don't have a good understanding of HIV/AIDS still believe that they may 'catch' the virus just by being in close contact with the infected person, when in fact, HIV cannot be passed through casual contact and it is not airborne at all. And so they are often shut out of society or have to bear with painful or untruthful remarks made about them. This vicious cycle stems from ignorance about the disease and how it is spreads.

You can make a choice to find out the facts. Being compassionate towards people living with HIV/AIDS goes a long way in helping them live a fulfilling life.


Love Amplified



First there was the 46664 Concert in Cape Town, South Africa, then there was the Unite Against AIDS Concert in Montreal, Canada, and now we have one to call our own - Love Amplified, the first World AIDS Day Concert in Singapore. Held on 29th November 2009, at Fort Canning Green.

The World AIDS Day (WAD) Concert in Singapore, entitled LOVE Amplified (LOVE Amp), will be the very first of its magnitude in the nation. Organised by the Health Promotion Board (HPB), the concert brings together some of the hottest music talents in the local arena, giving the people of Singapore one amazing night to take a stand against HIV/AIDS.

LOVE Amplified aims to crank up the volume on HIV and AIDS awareness in Singapore and bring down the walls of ignorance about the disease and about People Living with HIV (PLHIV). It's more than just discussing and understanding, it's about embracing the truth and facts about the disease. Only then can we begin to fight HIV and AIDS and spread the message of hope and love.


Do join in the concert. Tickets are available at all SISTIC counters.


Lastly, with this trailer, hope you can understand and do your part in spreading the awareness of AIDS/HIV.