Red and black balloons dotted the lawns in front of Kerckhoff Hall Monday.
One in every four balloons was black, representing the one quarter of the HIV-infected population that remains unaware of having the infection.
Students will have a chance to hear from speakers living with AIDS and get a glimpse at the student organizations on campus combating the disease across the world today as UCLA celebrates World AIDS Day.
“(Students) can get involved in the fight against HIV as well as learn to keep themselves protected,” said Lavanya Anand, AIDS Awareness codirector for the Student Welfare Commission.
Students often do not feel comfortable about using condoms or getting tested, said Christina Brown, the director of Pediatric AIDS Coalition and a former Daily Bruin contributor.
“(Students) need to realize that (the contraction of HIV) can happen to anyone,” Brown said. “People are putting themselves at risk by not talking about it.”
People younger than 25 years old account for half of all new HIV infections in the United States and worldwide, Anand said in an e-mail.
“The only cure is knowledge,” said Jennifer Yoohanna, the director of AIDS Ambassadors and a fourth-year biology student.
While research is ongoing, there is no readily available vaccine and no cure for HIV or AIDS.
The only way to keep safe is using condoms every time and knowing your status, Yoohanna said.
The way to combat AIDS is to get treatment to places where it is needed and to educate people, Anand said.
Some developing countries such as India lack the access to protection and education, she said.
“It’s going to be a slow fight, and the more people get involved, the better is the effort,” Anand said. “AIDS is a worldwide problem. But slowly, region by region, with enough people, we can make a difference.”
Children from Camp Kindle, an organization that helps to improve the lives of children infected or affected by HIV or AIDS, will be speaking about impact of the virus or disease on their lives.
Student groups combating AIDS will also be tabling to invite students to join their efforts.
The AIDS Healthcare Foundation will also set up an HIV testing van in front of Pauley Pavilion.
The oral HIV test only requires a cheek swab and is free for all students and faculty members.
“It’s not a death sentence to be tested HIV positive,” Yoohanna said.
“Even if you’re afraid, get tested. There will be counselors, and there is manageable treatment for HIV.”
At UCLA, the theme for this year’s World AIDS Day is “Spread the Love, Not the Virus.”
The official World AIDS Day is Dec. 1, but because of the prohibition of amplified sound during 10th week, the event is being hosted one week prior.