Published by: Maya Linson on 12/1/2011 9:51:09 AM
Today is World AIDS Day and this year it's about “Getting to Zero” – Zero New HIV Infections. Zero Discrimination and Zero AIDS Related Deaths.
Backed by the United Nations, the “Getting to Zero” campaign runs until 2015 and builds on last year’s successful World AIDS Day “Light for Rights” initiative encompassing a range of vital issues identified by key affected populations (from worldaidscampaign.org).
According to the CDC, nearly 1.2 million people are living with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) in the U.S. (an estimated 1,178,350 adults and adolescents), and one in five of those (20 percent) are unaware of their infections. Despite increases in the total number of people living with HIV in the U.S. in recent years, the annual number of new infections has remained relatively stable overall. However, HIV infections continue at far too high a level, with approximately 50,000 Americans becoming newly infected with HIV each year. More than 16,000 people with AIDS still die each year in the U.S.
Among racial and ethnic groups in the U.S., African Americans face the most severe burden in the nation and Latinos are disproportionately affected. Men who have sex with men and people who use injection drugs are also heavily affected populations.
Another staggering statistic: At least one in three Americans who test positive for HIV is tested too late to take full advantage of treatment. Identifying HIV early can significantly slow the infection, which leads to AIDS and death. So even though HIV testing has increased in the past few years, more people still need to get tested more often. Without treatment, a person infected with HIV will develop AIDS in roughly 10 years, but with early treatment, a person at age 25 can survive an average of 39 more years, according to the CDC.
To combat this, the CDC recommends adults and adolescents get tested for HIV, people at increased risk should get tested at least every year, and women should get tested with every pregnancy.
Safety net hospitals across the country are making strides to boost care for people affected by HIV and AIDS. Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, for instance, sees more than 1100 people each year at its Positive Care Center for expert assessment and treatment of HIV and AIDS, Hepatitis C, HPV and other conditions. UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, Mass., is the largest medical provider for patients with HIV/AIDS in Central Massachusetts. Services available range from care and treatment for these conditions and co-infenctions, nutrition, mental health and substance abuse counseling. The hospital also founded a Maternal-Child HIV Program in 1987 to provide comprehensive care to this special patient group, advance research and develop outreach into communities with a high instance of pediatric HIV infections but limited access to prevention or treatment resources. According to their website, Alameda County Medical Center near San Francisco was the first organization in the east bay to open a clinic specifically for people with HIV/AIDS. The innovative program is also acclaimed nationally and is a model for similar units around the country. The offer free, anonymous drop-in HIV antibody test clinics at four locations and participate in a Family Care Network program to coordinate support services for women and their children regardless of ability to pay.
So while today is raising awareness about a global problem, do not forget the striking need right here at home and the resources available for screening and support regardless of your income, insurance or employment statuses.