Started in 1988, WORLD AIDS Day was the first global health day. We remember what was considered a plague  (AIDS) back then and how it took the lives of 100,000 + New Yorkers alone. It’s a day to acknowledge our progress in HIV prevention and treatment around the world and renew our commitment annually on December 1^stto a future free of HIV.  New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has projected that goal by 2020,

WORLD AIDS DAY is a time for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, and show support for people living with HIV. The theme of this year’s World Aids Day is Leadership, Commitment, Impact.  This campaign asks leaders to strengthen their commitment to using evidence-based HIV interventions, prevention tools and testing efforts to help stop HIV. 

·      According to the Centers for Disease and Control, gay and bisexual men continue to be the most affected population, accounting for 2/3 of new diagnosis.

·      More than 1.2 million people in the U.S. are living with HIV.

·      Globally, an estimated 36.7 million persons are living with HIV/AIDS. 

·      Each year more than 1 million people become newly infected by HIV.

·      ONE IN EIGHT AFFECTED DON’T EVEN KNOW THEY HAVE HIV.

·      Gay and bisexual men continue to be the most affected population, accounting for 2/3 of new diagnoses.

·      With the recent heroin epidemic in the United States, unless syringes come from a sterile source and aren’t shared, the HIV cases will rise.

·      Targets 90% of people living with HIV to know their status.

·      90% of those diagnosed to start and stay on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and

·       90% of those on ART to have a suppressed viral load to protect their own health and prevent transmission of HIV.

·      The United Nations wants to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030.

·      The UNAIDS Prevention Gap Report shows that worldwide an estimated 1.9 million adults have become infected with HIV annually for at least five years.

·      Make new drugs like PrEP, a pill that when taken prophylactically can prevent HIV infection, less expensive and more readily available.

HIV doesn’t discriminate across race, gender, and age. END THE STIGMA.

As a parent, you should know the following and communicate the information to your children:

·      If your children are sexually active, have them tested once a year for HIV. It’s easy, free, fast and confidential and should be part of his health routine.  

·      They should know about how to prevent transmission (i.e. safe sex) and their HIV stat.

·      For more Information on WORLD AIDS Day and features such as plug-ins for finding a testing site, please see http://www.cdc.gove/features/worldaidsday/.