World Aids Day: MAC Aids Fund

Today is world aids day and I have found myself compelled to write a blog post in honour of this very, very important 24 hours.

I will keep this brief because I know that HIV/Aids is a very sensitive and controversial topic, even in 2015, but I would like to share some of the knowledge that has helped me understand the virus/disease a little better.

Here are a list of 10 myths about HIV/Aids, for more detail please go to huffingtonpost.com where you can find the full article:

1. HIV will automatically spread to an unborn baby.

2. You don’t have to use a condom if both partners have HIV.

3. Unprotected sex is fine since we both tested negative for HIV.

4. HIV can’t be transmitted through oral sex.

5. HIV can be spread through saliva, sweat, tears and toilets.

6. You can get HIV from mosquitoes or other insects.

7. You can't spread the virus after an antiretroviral treatment.

8. HIV/AIDS is a death sentence. 

9. ONLY gay men and intravenous drug users contract HIV 

10. There is nothing I can do.

I know that the subject of HIV/AIDS can be scary, and ignoring it seems to be easier than accepting that is very present in our societies, regardless of where we live or where we are from, but no matter how easy it is to ignore, it is always safer to be aware. I am no expert on the disease or how it affects the lives of millions of people, but I do know, that the more we understand, the better equipped we will be to fight it. 

Working at M.A.C for a year and a half gave me an insight into some of the devastating affects the virus/disease can have, but it also showed me how courageous and positive so many people are. HIV, although still horribly unfortunate, does not mean that a person can not sustain a long, healthy and happy life. It is not debilitating the way it once was, and it is certainly not a death sentence, but even though such amazing advances have been made, we must still do every thing to ensure we do not contribute to the spread of this disease. We are not immune, and there is no way of telling if a partner is carrying the virus, so unless you are abstaining from sex, make sure there are tests being done all round! You can never be too safe! 

I know we all have our personal perils, but please contribute to saving a life, no matter how small, whether it be a neighbour or a child across seas, the smallest gesture can have the biggest impact.

For all of my makeup lovers please visit a MAC store near you and donate to their Aids Fund, by purchasing a gorgeous Viva Glam Lipstick. ALL proceeds from the £15.50 price tag goes towards helping those affected by HIV/AIDS across the entire world. For all the facts about the fund and to find out exactly how it helps people please visit the website here.

We are called to help the sick - Galatians 4: 13-14