National HIV/AIDS Awareness Month shines light on need for health equity focus
Today, more than 40 years after HIV/AIDS was first identified in the United States, approximately 1.2 million people are still living with HIV. About 13% of those affected do not know that they have the virus, highlighting the continued importance of outreach and awareness. Although much has changed in HIV detection, treatment and stigma, the virus continues to disproportionately affect communities of color, particularly Black and Brown communities, as well as men who have sex with men.
“We learned many valuable lessons from decades of activism on the prevention, care and treatment fronts, and we have also experienced tremendous loss,” said Valerie L. Rochester, CHC’s Chief Health Equity Officer. “However, the advancements made prove that multi-sector community partnerships and community-informed interventions can help change the course of health inequities within our communities.”
Across the span of the HIV epidemic, breakthroughs and more widespread impact of biomedical interventions have greatly extended and enhanced the lives of people living with HIV. However, HIV is still with us, and there is still work to be done. Equitable access to screening, testing, medical and support services for all people affected by HIV is not yet a reality. Early detection and connection to care remain critical areas for improvement.
Individuals can get tested and find services at HIV.gov. CHC: Creating Healthier Communities also partners with several nonprofit organizations focused on HIV/AIDS research, services and support:
