PHILADELPHIA- Thousands of supporters, including North Penn’s Thespian troupe, gathered for the 32nd annual Philadelphia Aids Walk this past Sunday. The fight to end HIV/AIDS has been growing more and more every year, and the walk brings people from all over together. The walk is a 5k starting at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, then going past Boathouse Row and back. The walk will never be cancelled, rain or shine people come walk and donate to help those in need and to end the stigma.

Many serious illnesses unfortunately come with a stigma, mental illness especially. However, it is sometimes forgotten how much people with HIV/AIDS struggle with the stigma. They are rejected from society, insulted, and talked about in a negative light. Many people treat them like outcasts and feel that it is their own fault they have the disease. Dealing with HIV/AIDS is already extremely difficult, but being disregarded by everyone around them makes them want to hide themselves from the world.

In a 2015 study from World Aids Day, it stated that in 35% of countries with available data, over 50% of people report having discriminatory attitudes towards people living with HIV/AIDS.

A World Health Organization progress report included that UNAIDS and the WHO cites fear of stigma and discrimination as the main reason why people are reluctant to get tested, disclose their HIV status and take antiretroviral drugs.

Not only is the stigma hurting people with the disease mentally, but it physically affects the people who do not get tested or refuse to reveal that they have HIV/AIDS. That is why the Philadelphia AIDS Walk is not only raising money for those who need treatment, but it is also raising awareness to help end the stigma. The more people that join together every year, the less people there are that agree with the stigma.

Spread the word about ending the stigma, it could help millions of people get the treatment they need and live without fear.

Donate or click here to learn more about HIV/AIDS and what you can do to help end the stigma.

http://www.aidswalkphilly.org/sponsor