Today marks the 35th anniversary of World AIDS Day. It’s difficult to think of it as a cause for celebration because for nearly half a century, there is still no cure. Instead, I like to think of December 1 as a day to reflect on the millions of lives lost, the gains we’ve made battling the disease, and the hope we have for the future.
In June 1981, the first cases of the illness now known as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) were reported in Los Angeles, but it wasn’t until 1988 that the world came together to show strength and solidarity against HIV disease with World AIDS Day. Who could’ve predicted the endemic nature of the disease at the time, right? Today, HIV/AIDS remains one of the world’s most significant public health challenges.
According to NCDHHS, 36,581 people over the age of 13 and older in NC are living with HIV disease. Here are the highlights from the most recent epidemiology report (2022 North Carolina HIV Surveillance Report, October 2023).
In 2022:
- 1,366 people were newly diagnosed with HIV disease;
- 623 individuals were diagnosed with Stage 3 HIV (AIDS) – an increase of 112 over the last five years;
- 2 perinatal mother-to-child HIV transmissions were documented;
- People aged 20 to 34 had the highest rate of new transmission (38.5 per 100,000);
- The highest rate of newly diagnosed HIV infection was among adult/adolescent Black/African American men (69.4 per 100,000); and
- For adults and adolescents newly diagnosed with HIV in 2022, the most likely route of transmission reported was male-male sex (57.8%), followed by heterosexual sex (18.7%), then combined male-male sex and injection drug use (3.4%), and injection drug use (3.4%). Note: 16.6% of likely transmission was reported as unknown.
After 42 years, it’s important that the world not develop apathy toward HIV/AIDS. Two whole generations have been born since the first diagnosis, and the steady, continuing rise in cases means people are either getting lazy or are uneducated … or both. If you are living with HIV disease, you need to know how to NOT transmit it. If you are not living with HIV disease, you need to know how to NOT get it. Educate yourself. Educate your partner. Get tested. Be safe.
- HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infects cells of the immune system and destroys or impairs their function. Infection results in the progressive deterioration of the immune system, breaking down the body’s ability to fend off infections and diseases. (World Health Organization) HIV disease is communicable, and there is no cure.
- AIDS (Acquired immune deficiency syndrome) refers to the most advanced stages of HIV infection, defined by the occurrence of any of more than 20 opportunistic infections or related cancers. (World Health Organization)
- HIV can be transmitted five ways: through unprotected vaginal or anal sex; oral sex with an individual living with HIV; during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding from mother to baby; sharing needles; or transfusions of contaminated blood.
Protect yourself AND your partner.
- Practice safe sexual behaviors like using condoms … every time. Let me say this again for the cheap seats: unless or until you are in a committed relationship, AND you do not have a communicable disease, wear condoms every time.
- Knowledge is power. Know your HIV status … get tested and treated for sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, right away. The sooner, the better, in terms of treatment.
- Practice harm reduction best practices … use clean or disposable needles.
For more information:
- PEPFAR World AIDS Day 2023
- HIV.gov | World AIDS Day 35: Remember and Commit
- World Health Organization global events
- Planned Parenthood | How can I prevent HIV
- CDC | HIV prevention
- POZ Magazine
Until the cure …
The Doctor is IN 