But, no matter how often stories, programs and advertisements are published to make people understand the disease, somehow, it seems that these are not enough because every six seconds, one person still get infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Prevention as the key

AIDS, an incurable disease caused by HIV infection, is the end result when the body’s immune system can no longer fight off opportunistic infections. But, not all HIV-infected people are immediately diagnosed with AIDS since both are not equivalent stages. In fact, an HIV-infected person can live a healthy and productive life for years from the time of infection. However, the carrier can pass on the virus to others without knowing he or she has it.

Until now, no cure has been discovered for AIDS. There is also no vaccine available for HIV infection. The only way people can stay safe from it is to understand how the virus is passed on. Primarily, HIV/AIDS can be transmitted through bodily fluids such as seminal or cervical fluid during unsafe sexual intercourse, fresh blood through blood transfusion, sharing needles with an infected person or accidental needle-prick injury, and breastmilk from an infected mother to her baby.

Normal and non-sexual contact with an infected person, behaviors and social practices such as shaking hands, using the same utensils, telephone, toilet, and caring for or living with an HIV-positive person will NOT put a person at risk of HIV.

People—especially the young ones—must also understand that HIV infection cannot be prevented by drinking antibiotics before sex, practicing withdrawal during sexual intercourse, or taking a bath before and after sex. It can only be prevented through abstinence or delaying sex, limiting the number of sexual partners, using condoms consistently and correctly, not using drugs, and needles and other skin-piercing instruments.

The basic premise that should be understood about HIV/AIDS is that EVERYBODY—regardless of race, age, and gender—is at risk of infection. Since HIV is a slow-acting virus, it is best to get tested as early as possible. Although treatments and anti retroviral drugs—which are expensive and limited—can slow the progression of HIV infection, these cannot cure it.

Today, there is an estimated 40 million HIV-infected people worldwide that need help. But since there is still no cure, the only way others can help them is by giving support, respect, and most of all understanding.

To send out key messages and create a greater awareness about HIV/AIDS through the universal language of music, MTV—the world’s largest television network—is preparing for the "MTV Staying Alive Music Summit for HIV/AIDS 2007." Part of MTV’s global "Staying Alive" campaign, the event aims to empower the youth to protect themselves, fight stigma and discrimination, and engage businesses, media and organizations to form their own response to the disease.

"Knowing the facts can save lives," says MTV Philippines’ Creative & Content director Georgette Tengco. "If you spread the message, you can save the lives of others around you." She also hopes that through the summit, everyone will be encouraged to make more informed and responsible choices and to spread the knowledge about HIV/AIDS.

During the presscon, VJ Andy Manzano says that MTV focuses on a responsible and practical approach in combating HIV/AIDS: getting tested. "The MTV Staying Alive Music Summit aims to get the message across to the youth that getting tested for HIV is nothing to be afraid of, and it can save lives," she says.

On December 12 at the SM Mall of Asia Complex, people—especially the youth—from all walks of life are invited to take part in this year’s biggest concert for a cause. Aside from the performances of today’s biggest local artists including Barbie Almalbis, Cambio, The Dawn, Greyhoundz, Hale, Hilera, Imago, Kamikazee, Kjwan, Miguel Escueta, Parokya ni Edgar, Pupil, Queso, Radioactive Sago Project, Rivermaya, Sandwich, Session Road, Slapshock, Sugarfree, Stonefree, Up Dharma Down, Urbandub and more, the concert will also be a venue for where people can get information and counseling.

"This year, MTV is doing something new by encouraging people to be more responsible," shares MTV VJ Sib Sibulo. "By presenting people with practical information and realistic options, we’re giving everyone the chance to actively partake in the fight against HIV/AIDS."

Since 2003, MTV Staying Alive Music Summit for HIV/AIDS has been educating youth across the globe on the realities of HIV and AIDS and the need to take a stand against the stigma that comes with it by gathering the most popular musical artists to perform and campaign against the virus and the disease.