DELAWARE AND THE WORLD OBSERVE WORLD AIDS DAY DEC. 1 800 DELAWAREANS HAVE HIV AND DON'T KNOW IT

HIV/AIDS continues to be one of the most destructive pandemics in history, killing over 1.6 million people worldwide each year. In the U.S. alone, approximately 50,000 new cases will be discovered annually. In Delaware, there are 3,758 who live with this disease, another 800 or more people who have it but do not know it. On December 1, 2012, we observe the 25th annual World AIDS Day, and Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) reminds everyone to continue the fight against HIV/AIDS.

"The fight against HIV/AIDS must begin with individuals getting tested. The CDC estimates that for every five people with HIV, one of them doesn't know it or even believe they could have it," said Dr. Karyl Rattay, DPH director. "In fact, an astonishing fifty percent of new HIV/AIDS cases are spread by those unaware they are HIV positive. Unintentionally, many are spreading this disease and risking their own health by not receiving treatment. Please do not assume you are free of HIV/AIDS. Get tested. If you test positive, you can be treated."

Treatments are available that reduce the signs and symptoms of the disease, actually reducing the levels of virus in the blood. By testing, you take a step towards furthering prevention and better health outcomes for you and your partner.

The CDC recommends that everyone age 13 - 64 receive routine HIV screenings as part of regular medical care. Men who have sex with men that are not in a monogamous relationship should be tested for HIV at least once a year. Heterosexuals who engage in high-risk sexual practices such as unprotected sex or multiple sex partners and anyone who shares needles for any reason are also encouraged to get tested at least once a year. Testing is also recommended for women considering pregnancy and pregnant women in the early months of pregnancy. Preventive treatment can prevent an HIV positive mother from passing HIV to her baby.

In Delaware, DPH and a host of HIV/AIDS awareness partners continue efforts to educate, treat and prevent HIV/AIDS, but new cases among young homosexual and bisexual men ages 15-29 continue to rise.

"Each year we are sadly reminded that we need more awareness and education about this disease - because the numbers of people contracting HIV/AIDS or dying from it worldwide remain devastatingly high. World AIDS Day reminds us today and everyday the importance of knowing your HIV status. I encourage you to take this time to learn more about preventing HIV/AIDS and how you can help or support those with it." said Secretary Rita Landgraf, Delaware Health and Social Services.

If you have HIV and are not getting treatment, call the Delaware HIV Consortium at 302-654-5471. There is no waiting list for treatment in Delaware.

Visit www.hivtest.org to find a testing center near you and a counselor that can help determine the safer practices best for you. World Aids Day events scheduled statewide include:

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.