DHSS Press Release |
Date: November 29, 2007 DHSS-136-2007 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Jay Lynch, Communications Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 Email: jay.lynch@state.de.us |
Contact: Reporters Phone: 302-744-4907 |
STOP AIDS. KEEP THE PROMISE.
Dec.1 is World AIDS Day
Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH), in partnership with other affiliated HIV/AIDS service providers in the community, will observe World AIDS Day on Dec 1. The day raises awareness of the AIDS pandemic and HIV testing. It is also an opportunity to urge government leaders to keep their promises to fight HIV/AIDS and demonstrate commitment and action on AIDS through funding.
Nearly 40 million people currently live with HIV worldwide and more than 2 million have died of AIDS. In the United States, an estimated 1 million people are living with HIV and 25 percent are unaware of their HIV infection and at risk for infecting others. Currently, there are 3,320 Delawareans living with HIV/AIDS. Since 1981, when the HIV/AIDS case tracking began, 1,853 HIV/AIDS deaths have been reported through 2006.
"Every time I speak about HIV/AIDS I urge everyone to seek HIV testing," said Dr. Jaime Rivera, DPH director. "It remains one of the most important actions anyone can take to fight this epidemic." He said the benefits of early diagnosis and treatment of HIV infection are huge, often reducing viral load and maintaining health.
Dr. Rivera stressed that there needs to be continuing public conversation on HIV/AIDS. "We are making progress, but the effort has to be maintained. HIV/AIDS is still among us and, while there have been advances in treatment, there is still no cure," he said.
DPH encourages individuals to get involved in the fight against this pandemic by becoming a volunteer for a local HIV/AIDS organization, confronting stigma, racism and other forms of discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS, getting tested for HIV and making a personal commitment to protect their partners and encourage others to do the same.
Across the world and in the United States, AIDS activists are organizing events to increase awareness and remind people of the devastating impact of the disease. Here in Delaware, activities will be held at the following locations on Dec. 1:
- Beautiful Gate Outreach Center, Wilmington - Free rapid HIV testing from 1 - 5 p.m. Call 302-472-3002.
- AIDS Delaware, Wilmington - Informational day for youth at 1 p.m. and World AIDS Day interfaith service and candlelight vigil at 7 p.m. Call 302-652-6776.
- Sussex County AIDS Council & CAMP Rehoboth, Rehoboth Beach - A Service of Hope and Remembrance and silent candlelight march at 6:15 p.m. Laurel - Reading of names and candlelight walk at 6:15 p.m. Call 302-644-1090
- Kent Sussex Counseling Services, Dover - A remembrance ceremony and reading of names beginning at 10:30 a.m. Call 302-735-7790.
To find a testing site nearest you visit www.hivtest.org and type in your ZIP code or call 1-800-232-4636 (1-800-CDC-INFO) or the Public Health HIV Prevention Program at 302-744-1050 for more information.
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.
