World AIDS Day arrived just as it arrives every year. This day should serve as a reminder of the change that is still desperately needed around the world and in our foreign policies on HIV prevention. Though this international day of awareness lasted for only 24 hours, we must not forget the strength of our voices as young people and the power we have to make change through advocacy. We must continue to engage in efforts to reform legislation and provide a voice for those abroad, silenced by their conditions. We must remember the importance of young people engaging in international issues and recognize the significance of World AIDS day in our efforts to make change.

This year I found myself in a greater state of anticipation for World AIDS day, which marks more than a day to create awareness and focus attention on the global HIV and AIDS pandemic. With new leadership on the way to Washington, I have reason to be hopeful and anticipate change in the direction of progressive actions to halt the spread of HIV. This year’s theme for World AIDS day was “leadership,” accompanied with the slogan, “Stop AIDS, Keep The Promise.” With the new leadership of President-Elect Barack Obama, I have reason to expect change surrounding many of the policies affecting this global pandemic. Two years ago, on World AIDS day, President-Elect Barack Obama stated, “There must also be a change in hearts and minds, in cultures and attitudes. Neither philanthropist nor scientist, neither government nor church, can solve this problem on their own - AIDS must be an all-hands-on-deck effort.” Our President-Elect understands that HIV and AIDS is a global health problem with an unparalleled magnitude and acknowledges the need for a shift from failed policies based on ideology to ones that reflect the realities of our everyday lives and practices.

The reality of this world presents itself as everything but a utopia-an imperfect world when judged by one’s morals or value. Sex prior to marriage, infidelity within marriages, injection drug use, commercial sex work, and other activities or lifestyles considered to be “immoral” exist. We cannot afford to ignore or deny the presence of such practices in our cultures nor deny individuals the right to make their own choices. In doing so we stigmatize those most at risk and create unnecessary divisions, which only create barriers to prevention and treatment efforts. Access to education and resources that can potentially save lives, prevent illness and maintain health is a basic human right, regardless of color, religious beliefs or choice of lifestyle. This right is not reserved for only those who meet the moral standards of a few.

In our fight against global HIV and AIDS, President-Elect Barack Obama has it right. He supports science-based HIV prevention programs, strongly supports comprehensive sex education that is age appropriate, and is supportive of legislation to lift the ban on Federal funding for needle exchange as a strategy to reduce HIV transmission among injection drug users and their partners and children. I am hopeful that the debates controlled by those who allow their own ideology to blind or inhibit their ability to foresee the potential of science-based HIV prevention practices cease under this new leadership.

As a young Ethiopian-American woman, I am familiar with the crippling nature of HIV and AIDS on every facet of our world, sparing no region. It is my responsibility to see that the new leadership under President-Elect Barack Obama keeps their promises and continues to lead in the response to HIV and AIDS.