Idaho Facing HIV for World AIDS Day

Nearly 1,200 Idahoans live with HIV or AIDS, with more than 50 new cases reported in Idaho in 2009. People can show support for those affected, their families, caregivers and friends – and take advantage of HIV testing – at a number of events around the state on Tuesday, World AIDS Day.

“It only takes one instance of putting yourself at risk to become infected,” says Annabeth Elliott, Health and Welfare’s STD program coordinator. “Many new cases reported this year are in young people and those who live in rural areas who never thought they were at risk. It’s important to know your risk – and to know your status.”

Some World AIDS Day events around the state are offering HIV testing. To find out if you are at risk and need to be tested, you can visit www.safesex.idaho.gov or www.nakedtruth.idaho.gov. It’s vital that those with the disease find out as soon as possible in order to begin the lifelong challenge of treating and managing it.

Historically, discrimination toward those living with HIV raised barriers to testing, made it difficult to access medical care, and prevented HIV positive individuals from feeling safe in their community. World AIDS Day events are designed to address some of these challenges, to remember the 25 million people who have died of AIDS and to commemorate the 33 million people world wide living with HIV or AIDS. The day’s events also are designed to provide education about the face of the disease today.

Since the inception of World AIDS Day 21 years ago, the many faces of HIV/AIDS have changed dramatically. The advent of new medications allows many individuals to live normal life expectancies, though the medications can often-times have significant side effects. The support of family, friends, and community are crucial to the ability to stay productive and healthy.

“For many infected persons, you probably could never tell they had the disease,” says Elliott. “Commemorate World AIDS Day this year by supporting those with the disease and taking time to assess your own risk.”

Additional information about HIV is available at www.cdc.gov.