FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Jora White
(334)-206-2778
World AIDS Day is held December 1 each year, and the day is an opportunity worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show support for people living with HIV, and commemorate people who have died. World AIDS Day, newly recognized in 1988, was the first ever global health day.
The World AIDS Day 2021 theme is, “Ending the HIV/AIDS Epidemic (EHE): Equitable Access, Everyone’s Voice.” The goal of EHE is to reduce new infections by 75 percent in the next five years and by 90 percent by 2030. To reach this goal, efforts will focus on five key strategies that together can end the HIV epidemic in the U.S.: diagnose, treat, prevent, respond and engage the workforce.
HIV is 100 percent preventable. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends being tested at least once a year if a person engages in activities that can transmit HIV infection. When a person with HIV is on effective treatment, it will reduce the level of HIV to "undetectable" levels. This protects their health and makes them incapable of transmitting HIV to their sexual partners: "Undetectable = Untransmittable or U=U.” A prevention strategy, U=U is often referred to as Treatment as Prevention.
Sharon Jordan, director of the Office of HIV Prevention and Care, states, “It is important to know your testing status. People who know their HIV status have the information they need to modify their behavior to protect others, get counseling, treatment and/or support they need to live longer and healthier lives.” For more information about HIV and free testing, visit alabamapublichealth.gov/hiv.
County health departments throughout Alabama provide a wide range of confidential and professional services. Contact your local county health department for additional information.
Mission: To promote, protect, and improve Alabama’s health
Vision: Healthy People. Healthy Communities. Healthy Alabama.