Stop the plague

World AIDS Day is over, but the fight is not

Amid a swirl of wet snowflakes, a somber crowd of several hundred moved across the Boston Common Monday night, fighting to keep their candles lit against a bitter wind.

The procession marked World AIDS Day, a global remembrance for millions of victims of a virus that has yet to be tamed. Just last week, the United Nations announced that the plague is far worse than previously thought. The number of new infections -- 16,000 every day -- is twice as high as had been estimated. That's another victim every five seconds. More than 30 million people are thought to be infected with HIV. The worldwide death toll now stands at a chilling 11.7 million.

Meanwhile, the success of the AIDS "cocktail" in America has encouraged a dangerous sense of complacency. In some quarters -- among the young generally, and among young gay men in particular -- there has even been a return to the risky, unprotected sex that encourages HIV to prosper.

Another World AIDS Day is behind us, but the vigil -- and the battle -- is far from over. The statistics should leave you feeling numb, but there are things you can do to make a difference.

Be responsible. The first step is to make sure you do not become one of the victims. Practice safe sex: use condoms. If you have any doubts, get tested. The sooner people with HIV get help, the better off they are. And make sure the message -- safe sex, get tested -- is getting through to everyone you care about.

Needle exchange. Despite clear evidence from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that needle exchange programs decrease infection rates without increasing drug use, the federal government continues to drag its feet on funding the programs. But you can help fight for substance abuse and needle exchange programs. To get involved, call MassAction at (617) 450-1213.

Volunteer. You can volunteer to work with people who have AIDS, to help educate at-risk groups, or to raise money to fight the spread of the virus. There is a wide variety of opportunities, and any amount of time you can give will help. Call MassAction at (617) 450-1213.

Boomerangs. The AIDS Action Committee (AAC) runs this terrific secondhand store, but it lives on donations from the public. It accepts clothing, books, housewares, and CDs. It's also a great place to pick up a gift. Boomerangs is located at 60 Canal Street, in Boston, and the telephone number is (617) 723-2666. If you would like to donate a used car, truck, or boat to the cause, call (888) 332-AUTO.

AIDS Walk. Every year, the Boston AIDS Walk raises money for education and services for people with the disease. Last year, walkers raised $2.4 million. The next walk will be held on Sunday, June 7, 1998.

Multicultural help. The Multicultural AIDS Coalition understands that HIV does not discriminate. To get involved, call the coalition at (617) 442-1622.

Children. One of the most heartbreaking aspects of the plague is the way it strikes down the young. To help the very youngest victims, call Sarah Commerford at the Children's AIDS Program: (617) 534-2050.

To donate money to the AIDS Action Committee, call (617) 450-1245. The Massachusetts Youth Only AIDS Line is (800) 788-1234. For any other information, call the AIDS Action Committee at (617) 437-6200.

What do you think? Send an e-mail to letters[a]phx.com.