On March 10, we honoured National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Day to reflect on the impact of HIV/AIDS on females across the globe. HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which attacks the body's immune system. It can be passed through infected bodily fluids — including shared needles and syringes — but is most commonly transmitted through unprotected sex. Over 10,000 women are infected with the disease each year, and these numbers are not including those who are unaware they are living with the infection.

Becoming aware of the disease is extremely important. It is vital that both men and women understand the serious implications of Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV/AIDS. So what can you do to protect yourself?

Always ask your partner about their sexual history. The potentially awkward conversation is worth not getting the potentially life threatening disease.

Use protection. Unprotected sex of any kind is dangerous, and unprotected anal sex has the highest HIV transmission rate.

Visit your doctor regularly and treat any existing infections. Open wounds from STIs carry the highest risk for HIV infection, so be smart and get tested regularly and treated.

There is no reason to avoid getting tested, so be sure to go to your doctor or a clinic today. HIV/AIDS is a serious, life-threatening disease and becoming aware of what it is and what it does to the body is the first step toward maintaining good health.

As students, we have a choice: to live a life of ignorance, or to become aware and spread our knowledge on HIV/AIDS with others. Sometimes the most socially unmentionable topics are the ones that need to be addressed the most. It is our job as students to spread the word using the wide variety of social channels through which we communicate — the multiple social media platforms, word of mouth and at events held on campus every year. Make the choice; use your voice.