Every 1st of December is WORLD AIDS DAY. No, it's not a day to celebrate safe sex, nor is it a day to promote safe sex. It's a day to spread awareness of the dangers and existence of AIDS/HIV. It's a day to wake any regular Joe up and to open their eyes to their daily surroundings, and realize that anybody you pass by on the streets may be HIV positive.

The theme for this year’s World AIDS Day is "Someone Like Me"

"Someone like me will not let you fall"

Everybody has his or her own way of finishing the sentence, but we all share a common goal. Mine was a tad bit more personal. I know what it feels like to fall head on with nothing to hold on to. Nobody likes to walk in the dark alone, and nobody should ever have to. I really want to make a difference in the way that people are living in.

YOU can make a difference too! We can start by knowing and understanding what HIV and AIDS is. Ahem, let Baby Dan start a short lesson on this!

1) HIV/AIDS among people in Singapore

In 2012, another 469 Singapore residents were newly reported of HIV infection. About 93% of the new cases were males and 7% were females.

Nearly 90% of these cases reported in 2012 were between the ages of 20-59, with 63% being single, 23% married and 10% were divorced/separated.

This brings the total number of HIV infected Singapore residents to 5,775 as of end 2012. Of the people infected, 61% with HIV do not have the virus under control.

2) Most common ways of being infected? How do people get infected?

There are 3 modes of HIV transmission:

1) Blood Transfusion;

2) Unprotected Penetrative Sex (UPS);

3) Mother to Baby during pregnancy and during delivery.

3) What should I do to avoid infection?

You can practice ‘ABCD’: (A) Abstinence, (B) being faithful, (C) correct and consistent use of condoms and (D) early detection. These principles are relevant for everyone regardless of the risk group they belong to.

4) How long can I live with HIV? If I have AIDS, how long can I live?

People living with HIV can live long and healthy lives so long as they seek medical care, look after themselves and live life positively.

5) What should I do if I know that someone has HIV or AIDS?

Act normally. HIV cannot be transmitted through handshake, hug, sharing food, kissing, or sharing household utensils, etc. The biggest challenge for people living with HIV is stigma and discrimination.

So there you have it! Be careful and take precautions friends! We can all play a part by spreading awareness of AIDS and HIV and don’t discriminate the HIV carriers. They’re people like you and I…

Now, you ask…how can I do my part? Simple! Durex has organized #SomeoneLikeMeSG to spread the word of HIV and AIDS. "Someone Like Me" simply says that you're not alone in this situation, because HIV could happen to anyone. You and I can embark with them on this meaningful journey.

Just post a picture like I did, with a message for World AIDS Day on Instagram/Twitter with the #SomeoneLikeMeSG. Alternatively, you can post your picture to the Durex Singapore Facebook page. By doing so, you can even stand to win a pair of tickets to the World AIDS Day Party on 30th November at Butter Factory! So after posting, leave a comment below with your Facebook/Instagram/Twitter handle and your details and I’ll pick one lucky winner!

Wanna know who else is joining me at the party? Catch this video a bunch of us did that tells you more about World AIDS Day!

Let’s shape this world free of discrimination and protect your loved ones today. For more information on World AIDS Day, head to https://www.facebook.com/durexsingapore/app_236913943138127