Limawati
Every year the 1st of December is observed as the World AIDS Day all nations, rich and poor, big and small. On this day, people wear Red Ribbons made into a simple bow. In Nagaland too people have started wearing such ribbons especially on the World AIDS Day. We also see the Red Ribbon accompanying articles and feature stories on HIV/AIDS and related subjects. So what does the Red Ribbon really stand for and where did it come from?
The Red Ribbon is the international symbol of HIV and AIDS awareness. It is being worn by increasing number of people around the world to demonstrate their care and concern about HIV and AIDS - for those who are living with HIV, for those who are ill, for those who have died and for those who care for and support those directly affected.
The Red Ribbon offers a symbol of hope and support for those living with HIV, for the continuing education of those not infected, for maximum efforts to find effective treatments, cures or vaccines and for those who have lost friends, family members or loved ones to AIDS. But the Red Ribbons are not enough.
The Red Ribbon is only a useful symbol in the long run, when attached to words and deeds that actually make a difference.
In Nagaland too, the Red Ribbon has become a common sight in News papers and books. It is not very common however to see people wearing it on them except on the World AIDS Day. Does this mean that Nagas are not very aware of the deadly endemic or does it mean that we are not concerned?
If this is so, then it should be a matter of great concern to the concerned authorities, the civil societies and NGOs leading the fight against the spread of this dreaded disease as Nagaland is one of the most highly HIV/AIDS affected states in the Country.
If you are offered a Red Ribbon, you are asked to take it and wear it as a tribute to the millions of people living with or affected by HIV / AIDS worldwide. Anyone can wear a Red Ribbon. There is no ‘official’ Red Ribbon. You can make your own to wear.
Wearing a Red Ribbon is the first step in the fight against HIV / AIDS. It can be worn on any day of the year, but especially on World AIDS Day which is observed every year on 1st December. Try wearing one this year on World AIDS Day and continue to do so for a few days more. Be the one that sets the trend of wearing this symbol of care for the unfortunates. The next step is to do something more for those suffering from HIV / AIDS.
(A DIPR feature)
