HIV/AIDS Awareness Month

December marks HIV/AIDS Awareness Month, a time to educate, support, and advocate for those impacted by this global health challenge. While progress has been made, understanding the facts can help us break the stigma and promote compassion. Here are five key facts about HIV/AIDS in the United States:

1. More than 1.2 million people live with HIV in the U.S., yet nearly 13% of them are unaware of their status. Early testing and treatment save lives, underscoring the importance of regular screenings.

2. The rate of new HIV infections has declined by about 8% since 2015. This progress is thanks to increased awareness, preventative measures like PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), and community outreach efforts.

3. Young people (ages 13-24) account for 20% of new HIV diagnoses. This highlights the need for better education about safe practices and access to healthcare services for younger generations.

4. Southern states bear the highest burden of HIV cases, with over half of new diagnoses occurring in the region. Addressing disparities in access to healthcare and stigma is essential to curbing the epidemic.

5. Advancements in treatment have made HIV a manageable chronic condition. With antiretroviral therapy (ART), people living with HIV can lead long, healthy lives and achieve undetectable viral loads, making transmission nearly impossible.

This month, let’s commit to raising awareness, embracing compassion, and supporting organizations working to end HIV/AIDS. Together, we can educate, empower, and envision a future free of HIV stigma and fear. Knowledge is our greatest ally in this fight!