South Health District Press Release:

World AIDS Day is recognized each year on December 1. It is a time to celebrate the many lives saved by HIV prevention and treatment programs, and it is a reminder that we must do more to fight the spread of HIV and AIDS individually and as a community.

Around the world, 33 million people are living with HIV with nearly 7,500 new infections occurring each day. In 2008, an estimated 3 million people were receiving antiretroviral treatment in low and middle income countries. Approximately 1.1 million people are living with HIV in the United States.

Individuals that believe they may be at risk of having a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or HIV/AIDS are encouraged to get tested at their local health department or local health care provider. “You do not have to wait until World AIDS Day to get tested, we do it every day at the health departments and at other facilities in the district,” stated January Smith, Public Health Educator.

People that participate in risk behaviors, such as unprotected sex, having multiple sex partners and drug use have an increased chance of contracting a STD or HIV/AIDS. “Abstinence is the best and easiest choice someone could make for prevention of getting the disease,” stated Smith.

The Infectious Disease Program has planned a Dine and Discover at Valdosta State University on December 1 at noon. Harold Katner, M.D., Infectious Disease Specialist will be the keynote speaker at the event. CMEs will be offered to physicians that register and attend. Lunch will be provided to the first 100 registrants. To register please visit www.valdosta.edu/finadmin/wellness/index.shtml.

For more information call 229-245-8711, or visit www.cdc.gov, www.southhealthdistrict.com or www.worldaidscampaign.org.