DHSS Press Release

WORLD AIDS DAY EVENTS CONTINUE DEC. 2 - 4

Local events are part of international effort to fight stigma and discrimination

World AIDS Day events continue Dec. 2 - 4 as Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) joins with community agencies to bring attention to the continuing problem of stigma and discrimination against people with HIV/AIDS. DPH encourages Delawareans to participate by overcoming their fears and seeking HIV testing at one of the state's many locations.

The fear of discrimination has been identified as a major obstacle to HIV/AIDS prevention efforts worldwide. Many people avoid getting tested because they are afraid to face ridicule and isolation from family and friends if they test positive for HIV.

This year, World AIDS Day focuses on confronting stigma and discrimination by encouraging people to break down barriers that prevent effective HIV/AIDS prevention and care. Events will rally support and offer HIV counseling, free, confidential testing, candlelight remembrances and other awareness activities.

At least 2,500 people are living with HIV/AIDS in Delaware. While Delaware's African-American population accounts for less than 20 percent of the state population, sixty percent of the HIV/AIDS cases reported in Delaware are among African Americans.

"Many people infected with HIV are living full and productive lives thanks to treatments that can stop the disease from progressing to full-blown AIDS," said Paul Silverman, DrPH, DPH chief of disease prevention and control. "Yet they still face terrible discrimination and isolation, which can be more painful than the disease itself. As a community, we must work together to raise awareness, fight the stigma, and create a supportive environment that will help prevent the further spread of HIV."

Delawareans are encouraged to wear a red ribbon to show support for more than 40 million people worldwide infected with HIV/AIDS. The following organizations are hosting upcoming events:

Dec. 2

• Delaware State University will host a World AIDS Day celebration in the Martin Luther King Center, Dover from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m., followed by a candlelight service on the Mall at 6 p.m.

Dec. 3

• Morris Correctional Center in Dover will host a World AIDS Day celebration starting at 12 p.m. Mawuna Gardesey, DPH director of minority health, will speak to attendees. A poetry, art and crafts competition will be on display in the cafeteria.

Dec. 4

• Ezion Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church in Wilmington will host an ecumenical World AIDS Day program at 7 p.m.

For more information on World AIDS Day events in Delaware, or to find out about free, confidential HIV testing and counseling services, call the HIV/STD Hotline at 1-800-422-0429.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.