December 1st is World AIDS Day
State health officials are encouraging people to learn more about the
global AIDS/HIV epidemic and their personal risk for HIV infection. The
2007 World AIDS Day slogan of ‘Stop AIDS – Keep the promise’ focuses
on leadership and the importance of sustaining resources and individual
efforts directed toward HIV prevention and treatment, both locally and
globally.
“World AIDS Day draws attention to the growing global AIDS/HIV
epidemic,” said Dr. Sheri Johnson, State Health Officer. “While
community mobilization and global action are critical, individual
knowledge of one’s risk, HIV testing, and early treatment are
fundamental to effective prevention.”
Health officials report that more than 6,800 people worldwide are
infected with HIV every day, and roughly 33.2 million people are
estimated to be living with HIV or AIDS around the globe. Approximately
400 new cases are reported in Wisconsin each year.
Since 1983, more than 9,800 people in Wisconsin have been diagnosed
with HIV infection, and over 3,600 of them have died. Currently, an
estimated 6,225 people are reported to be living with HIV/AIDS in
Wisconsin. In addition, approximately 25 percent of people currently
living with HIV infection are not aware they are infected, according to
the Department of Health and Family Services.
“HIV infection has occurred among all racial and ethnic groups in
Wisconsin,” Johnson said. “The disparity among the racial and
ethnic groups continues to be a great concern.”
Johnson added that in 2007, Wisconsin received a substantial increase
in federal Ryan White funding that supports core medical and support
services for low income persons living with HIV infection. “With this
funding, the Department and its community partners have increased access
to medical, dental, mental health and substance abuse services for
persons with HIV, while enhancing the capacity of minority
community-based organizations to provide these services,” Johnson
said.
To learn more about World AIDS Day and HIV infection in Wisconsin,
visit the Department’s website at: http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/aids-hiv.
