Each year on December 1st, the global community unites to support people and communities affected by HIV while honoring the memories of those who have died from HIV-related illnesses. World AIDS Day also provides an opportunity to celebrate the progress made in changing HIV from a terminal illness to a manageable chronic condition. By changing the landscape of HIV, we have greatly improved health outcomes for people with HIV and have prevented thousands of new HIV infections.
Today, people with HIV are thriving because of effective treatment (called antiretroviral therapy) and increased support services. They’re living healthy, without fear of passing HIV to their sex partners or developing AIDS. Keeping an undetectable viral load makes it possible to stay healthy because it keeps the amount of virus in the body to an undetectable level. All people living with HIV should start treatment regardless of how long they have been living with HIV.
Although advancements have made it possible to end HIV, a key challenge remains. HIV stigma greatly affects people’s health and emotional well-being. These negative attitudes and stereotypes keep people at risk for HIV and people living with HIV from accessing essential HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support services because of the inequities they continue to face both in their personal lives and healthcare settings. Stigma stops people from knowing their HIV status and sharing their status with others in their lives, including partners.
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Unequal progress fuels HIV. Removing stigma as a barrier to ending HIV is a critical step in building on the progress we’ve made thus far and continuing to improve health outcomes for communities at risk of HIV. It puts equity at the forefront and increases access for anyone needing services. Stigma prevents thousands of people from knowing their HIV status and connecting to prevention or treatment services.
If you think you have HIV or have been exposed to HIV, contact the New Jersey AIDS/HIV/STD Hotline for information about HIV and other STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections). Healthcare providers are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, to provide free and private/confidential help, including connecting callers to sexual health services in New Jersey. Call 1-800-624-2377 or Chat Here
