World AIDS Day

December 1, 2020

World AIDS Day is today, and I wish to take a moment to remind you that AIDS - (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) remains a very serious epidemic.

World AIDS Day is an opportunity to celebrate and support global efforts to prevent new HIV infections, increase HIV awareness and knowledge, and support those living with HIV.

HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system and can lead to AIDS, a clinical diagnoses that indicates an advanced stage of HIV.

Almost 1 million people die across the globe each year due to HIV/AIDS and in some countries, it remains the leading cause of death.

 According to the federal government, at the end of 2018 more than 1.2 million people aged 13 years and older were living with HIV in the United States.  Many others are at risk of HIV infection, and an estimated 40,000 additional individuals are expected to be diagnosed each year.

Please see the resources below that can help you learn about HIV/AIDS and the supports available here in Connecticut and around the world:

 https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/AIDS--Chronic-Diseases/Care/HIVAIDS-Services-in-Connecticut

 https://www.who.int/westernpacific/news/events/world-aids-day

 https://www.unaids.org/en/World_AIDS_Day