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World AIDS Day began in 1988 and is observed on December 1 of each year so that folks around the globe can unite in their support of the those living with the HIV virus, as well as remembering those who lost their battle with full blown AIDS. Research is underway to stall the spread of the deadly virus but with the tremendous advances in the areas of research and awareness -there is currently no cure for the virus that causes AIDS.
There are 36.9 million people living with HIV/AIDS world-wide. In the USA, an estimated 1.2 million people live with HIV and one out of every eight are not aware they have the virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The number of new HIV diagnoses has remained pretty stable in recent years. Also, approximately one in 16 black men will be diagnosed with HIV during their lifetime, as will one in 32 black women according to Black AIDS Institute.
Learn more about World AIDS Day on testing, prevention, services, research, statistics, support groups, and programs here.
Juliette Davis is an HIV/AIDS advocate and pastor of Destiny Empowerment Ministries. During our interview she said, “the game has changed.” Listen here……
This year’s 2015 World AIDS Day Service will be held on Tuesday, December 1, 2015, at 7 PM, at the Church of The Holy Comforter, at 4819 Monument Avenue, Richmond, VA. There will be refreshments after the service to give everyone time to reflect.
Today Is World AIDS Day…Get Tested! Get Involved! [AUDIO] was originally published on kissrichmond.com
