The mission of every Infectious Awareables tie is to generate interest, discussion, even excitement about serious public health issues such as this silk HIV tie inblack. Believing that humor can be a powerful educational tool, Infectious Awareables neckties take an atypical, slightly irreverent approach to some very serious subjects. Shop and take pride in knowing that a portion of the proceeds will be donated to disease research/education. "Start the Conversation!" Human immunodeficiency virus was first identified in the early 1980’s as the cause of a constellation of serious conditions, all of which contributed to a newly named complex called AIDS. Since that time, the virus has become pandemic, infecting and ultimately killing millions, primarily in under-developed world countries. Early reluctance to educate and promote awareness about HIV infection has contributed to the on-going challenge surrounding the AIDS crisis. Recent development of "cocktail" drugs transformed what what once a fatal disease, into one that can often be controlled. Third world countries remain at great risk due to lack of education and resources. A back-of-tie "Awareness Note" and a source citation are incorporated in the pattern design, which reads: "HIV is a retrovirus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). As HIV infections spiral out of control, the AIDS pandemic continues to be a leading causes of global mortality. There is currently no cure. Prevention through education and awareness remains the most practical and effective approach to containment." "Original images provided by Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA and / or other credentialed sources." Note: IA contributes a portion of proceeds to research, education or support associated with important non-profit public health agencies and organizations.
