Singapore Bloggers have stepped forward! Read my corresponding post here.

I am fortunate to be invited to the Communicable Disease Centre on 10 December 2011.



World Aids Day falls on 01 December but how many of you truly understand Aids?



Did you know that:

- HIV is not passed on through spitting, biting or sharing utensils. Over 90% of people with HIV were infected through sexual contact.

- You can now get tested for HIV using a saliva sample. Say goodbye to the painful finger prick blood test and you can get the results of an HIV test in just 15-20 minutes.

- Only 1% of babies born to HIV positive mothers have HIV. I was a fool to think 100% of babies born to HIV positive mothers have HIV. It can be prevented with guidance from doctors.

- There is no vaccine or cure for HIV. However, you can keep HIV in control with early detection and medication. Unfortunately, the medication causes side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, etc. It burns a hole in your pocket too.

But guess what? HIV can be prevented! It’s as easy as ABC!



- Abstain from sex
- Be faithful if you do not abstain
- Use a condom if you are not faithful

Besides prevention, early detection saves lives! A recent article on Channel News Asia mentioned that about 70%-80% of HIV patients in Singapore are diagnosed only when they reach the late stage of infection.

It is alarming to know that only 20% of the patients at Tan Tock Seng Hospital opt for an HIV screening due to stigma surrounding the disease.

I won’t deny that HIV still a sensitive issue in Asia and sadly, most victims face discrimination because people are unaware of HIV.



HIV is neither easily transmitted nor a plague. Victims should not be discriminated in any way, especially in Singapore where citizens are highly educated.


We had lunch prepared by HIV victims at the Patient Care Centre afterwards.


The nasi lemak was yummy!




These beautiful merchandise made by HIV victims are available at Tan Tock Seng hospital pushcart. Proceeds goes to Tan Tock Seng Hospital Community Charity Fund. Other merchandise such as laptop bags, iPhone pouches, etc, are available.


I also did a giveaway on Twitter right after the event.

Congratulations to Michelle and Ernest! Both of you have won a bling bangle and HIV storybook each!

It was a simple contest. All my readers had to do was to follow me on Twitter and retweet that particular tweet.



Aids awareness day may be over but learning is a lifelong process. Let’s be positive about people living with HIV.

We are all HIV+. Show your support at www.facebook.com/BePostive.

It’s AIDS awareness month!

Follow and RT me on Twitter now! 2 lucky readers will receive a bling bangle and storybook each.

Stay tuned for a HIV post next week! Be aware, don’t be a fool.