World AIDS Day 2009 theme is “Universal Access and Human Rights.” Global leaders have pledged to work towards HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment for all people, recognizing these as basic human rights. Although much progress has been made in increasing access to HIV/AIDS services, commitment around the world must be made if the goal is to be achieved. Millions of people continue to be infected with HIV every year.

The protection of human rights is important to fight the global HIV and AIDS epidemic. Violations against human rights fuel the spread of HIV, putting certain groups such as sex workers and injection drug users at higher risk of getting HIV. By promoting human rights, new HIV cases can be prevented and people who have HIV can live free from discrimination.

World AIDS Day provides an opportunity for all of us: communities, political leaders and individuals, to take action to ensure that human rights are protected and global targets for HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care are met.

• By the end of 2006, an estimated 56,500 young people aged 13-24 were living with HIV or AIDS in the United States. [1]

• About 19,200 teens and young adults 13-29 were newly infected with HIV during 2006.[2] This age group was about 34% of all new HIV infections that year.

Why HIV testing is important

• According to the national 2007 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) 13% of 9^th-12^th grade students had ever been tested for HIV.[3]

• Of the more than 1 million persons in the United States living with HIV, an estimated 21% don’t know they are infected.[4] This percentage is even higher among certain groups. More than 50% of HIV infected teens and nearly 80% of young HIV-infected men who have sex with men do not know if they are infected.[5] 

In an address to Kenyan people in 2006, Barack Obama stated “HIV makes no distinction and knows no boundaries.” HIV and AIDS, just like other STDs, does not discriminate. But you can prevent it. President Obama also said “By knowing your HIV status, you can take control not only of your own health but the health of those around you. If you know your status, you can prevent illness.” 

Support World AIDS Day:

• Attend local World AIDS day events

World AIDS Day is on Monday 12/1.  The worldwide celebration of remembrance and hope will be observed in Spokane at the Bing Crosby Theater, 901 West Sprague.  The event will kick off  at 6pm with drumming by the Giant Ass Drum Corps,  and invocations from various spiritual leaders in our community.  The mayor will read the Proclamation of World AIDS Day 2009.  The evening will feature dance and musical performances, and a silent auction will be held, whose proceeds will benefit a rural HIV clinic in Kenya.  A silent candlelight vigil will finish the evening.

This is a free event.

• Raise awareness about universal access and human rights

• Know your HIV status 

To learn more, visit:

www.cdc.gov (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention)

www.hhs.gov (US Department of Health & Human Services)