Thursday, December 1, 2011

AIDS Day 2011

Of all the industrialised countries in the world, America is home to the largest number of people living with HIV. Tens of thousands of people are newly infected with HIV in America every year. An estimated 17,000 people died of AIDS in America in 2009 alone, yet increasingly AIDS is seen as an ‘overseas’ or an ‘African’ problem, rather than something that directly affects American citizens.

In 2009 the age group 20-24 accounted for the highest rate of new HIV diagnoses, at 36.7 per 100,000 population. This group consistently reports a lack of testing or condom use, while also reporting being sexually active. Between 2006 and 2009 the rates of annual AIDS diagnoses decreased among those aged 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, and 60-64. The rates increased among those aged 15-19 and 20-24.

HIV/AIDS is real.
It affects people in the United States.
The youth of our country are at great risk for developing and spreading the disease.
Testing is important for everyone, and essential for those in high school and college age groups.
Everyone, of every age, of every race, should get tested every year.

An AIDS-free generation is possible, but only for an informed public.