This entry is a part of our World AIDS Day Blogathon.  During this week we share our experiences, stories, and ideas about how HIV affects young people around the world. Join the blogathon .

There I was standing on the well manicured lawns of Devon’s’ house in Kingston Jamaica participating in this years’ world AIDS day activity which was stage by the ministry of health in collaboration with numerous entities from corporate Jamaica, civil society and various media entities. Under the hot yet busy JYAN tent. I was playing the new and innovating stigma game coined by a wonderful friend, through the rubber (elastic band) on the penis model, and my favorite completing the phrase “I can support someone living with HIV/AIDS because”, which then led to your pictures being taken with your statement which is going to be used by in slideshow by JYAN during the year.

I was so engross in sharing the knowledge I knew, watching my fellow Jamaicans get tested and well as pre and post counseling for the testing, playing games with the youngsters present and listening to live broadcast of some of Jamaica’s popular radio show that I forgot all about my dear friend D who is living with AIDS.  The day was going really great: Free testing, free and safe medium for both parents and children to speak on the issue of sexual reproductive health and rights. Share their experiences; provide advice and solutions to curb quite a few of the social ills that affect us as a society that there was no need to focus on the negative side of life. Not making this being infected be the end of your life, or that the worst has happened to you.

I sat, walked and jumped in awe at the spectacular scene that was taking place in front of me …… I was proud to be a Jamaican proud to be an advocate but in all the excitement I turned around to grab a bottle of water when I read what was on my shirt. Yes I can support someone living with HIV/AIDS and then I remembered D. I instantly called him and told him that I knew of his condition and I am there to not only support him but to be the best friend, brother he always wanted.

For me the theme used this year was most fitting for our society as there is a high level of stigma and discrimination towards those persons living with HIV/AIDS and as such as caused many not to get tested.