December 1, 2012 marks the 24th annual World AIDS Day. Started in 1988 as the first ever global health day by the the Global Programme on AIDS at the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland, it is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died of AIDS. It is also a day where we recognize and acknowledge the extraordinary contributions of the LGBT communities here in new York City, across the country and around the world in bringing this disease and its ravages out of the darkness of stigma, ignorance and despair and into the light, by demanding dignity for all people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS and access to life saving treatment and care.
Although we have made tremendous progress in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care, there are still challenges we face and barriers to overcome within the LGBT communities. In the USA, men who have sex with men still account for 78% of estimated HIV diagnoses among all males aged 13 years and older, and 61% of estimated diagnoses among all persons receiving an HIV diagnosis. Among all gay and bisexual men, blacks/African Americans bear the greatest disproportionate burden of HIV. From 2006 to 2009, HIV infections among young black/African American gay and bisexual men increased 48% (CDC, 2010). Globally, in countries like Uganda which is still seeking to pass a law which would see any person alleged to be homosexual at risk for life imprisonment and any health care providers treating them at risk for severe censure, the stigma, discrimination and violence against gay and bisexual men keep the epidemic underground, transmission unabated and treatment undelivered.
Stigma and fear of stigma and discrimination are still major factors in preventing those at risk in the US and around the world from seeking access to the best prevention practices, the latest treatment and to needed support for living with HIV. We now know that testing and early treatment with anti-retrovirals not only prolong life for those living with HIV, but offer effective prevention in decreasing the risk of transmission. These can also be used by HIV negative persons to prevent transmission if exposed.
Continuum Health Partners strives to be part of the ongoing solution by educating all of our patients on the benefits of testing and treatment for HIV; for themselves, their partners, their family members and friends. Our commitment to offering respectful and culturally competent care to all of our LGBT patients, creates an atmosphere of trust in which nobody has to be afraid to be “out” to their provider and to access vital information and care.
For more information on HIV/AIDS and what you can keep doing to meet the challenge visit Act Against AIDS .