World AIDS Day- December 1

Minnesota will commemorate World AIDS Day on Wednesday, December 1 for the 23rd consecutive year. The purpose of World AIDS Day is to call attention to the worldwide HIV/AIDS epidemic and the 33.4 million people estimated to be living with HIV/AIDS. More than 200 countries worldwide annually observe World AIDS Day.

A variety of HIV testing and public awareness events have been planned for the day and through the month of December in Minnesota (a partial listing is below). The purpose of World AIDS Day is to call attention to the worldwide HIV/AIDS epidemic and the 33.4 million people estimated to be living with HIV/AIDS. More than 200 countries worldwide annually observe World AIDS Day.

“World AIDS Day reminds us that we can never let our guard down when it comes to HIV/AIDS,” said Peter Carr, director of the STD and HIV Section, Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).  “With 7,400 persons worldwide infected each day, World AIDS Day provides us with an opportunity to heighten the awareness that AIDS is still here, there is no cure or vaccine, and we need to stay committed to prevention, treatment, and care 365 days a year.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 56,300 new HIV cases occur in the U.S. each year and that more than 1 million Americans are currently living with HIV.  Recently, a dangerous trend has emerged among persons between the ages of 13 and 24 who are being infected by HIV more so than ever before.

“In Minnesota, the number of new HIV cases increased by 13 percent in 2009, marking a 17-year high with 370 HIV cases reported,” said Carr. “The increase was driven primarily by a large increase among males 15 to 24 years of age – matching the trend seen at the national level.”  

Click here to view a calendar of events of HIV testing and public awareness events that have been planned throughout December in Minnesota.