A new campaign, Spray to Change Attitudes', has been initiated by MTV International and The Body Shop to raise HIV and AIDS awareness among youth, but is it enough to halt the growing number of affected citizens?
With the announcement of this launch, a study done in England was released, showing the shocking ignorance of youth as it pertains to HIV and AIDS infections. For instance, "70% of young women do not believe they are at risk of contracting HIV" (CCN Matthews). This is a shockingly false assumption. There are no groups that are immune to the disease, with over half of new HIV victims being between 18-25 years old.

According to an article on HIV/AIDS in Ontario published in 2006 by faculty at the University of Toronto, 14,927 men who are infected with the disease are still seeking sex with women. There has been an increase of 39% of infection from the year 2000 to 2004, and 3,367 were infected through heterosexual experiences (these stats can be found at aidsvigil.pbwiki.com).
HIV and AIDS are on the rise in not only Canada, but the world over. Although it is ludicrous to assume that the number of youth contracting the disease will decrease due to this new launch, Spray to Change Attitudes is attempting to raise money for MTV's Staying Alive Foundation by selling a new fragrance, Rougeberry Eau De Toilette in all Body Shop stores worldwide. The Staying Alive Foundation is a U.S. charity organization created in 2004 by MTV International to support people infected and fighting AIDS. Rougeberry will be sold across Canada for $18 CDN, and $8.70 of each bottle sold will go towards the Staying Alive Foundation.

Sources:
Ccnmatthews.com
Aidsvigil.pbwiki.com

Learn more about this author, Greg Coyle.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about AIDS Awareness: Where have all the ribbons gone??
We want to hear your view. Write now!