Lighthouse News Daily: HIV Infection Rates Are Not Falling Fast Enough

The Harford County Health Department offers free HIV testing throughout the year by appointment, as well as a variety of services free of charge to individuals and families living with HIV, including medical care for those who qualify.

Not only do these Congressional leaders test themselves, they also arrange for HIV testing availability for all Members of Congress on Capital Hill, as well as Congressional and facilities staff.

Furthermore, Dr. Cameron Wolfe, says, “The medicines have become safer, simpler, and more effective”.

UNITED NATIONS: The world risks a deadly AIDS rebound unless countries most affected by the virus expand access to antiretroviral treatments and boost their focus on stopping new infections, said a new UN report issued Thursday. Most of the patients I see today take one pill once a day and have absolutely no side effects neither from their pill nor the HIV. Not to mention that “knowledge of one’s HIV status is key to accessing effective HIV treatment”, Hall says.

Saturday is National HIV Testing Day.

HIV is the acronym that stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which leads to AIDS, an incurable disease that may be terminal, although in recent years treatments have improved the chances for a normal lifespan and a better quality of life.

This initiative is in keeping with worldwide and regional HIV testing days where during this observance, people are provided with the opportunity to visit testing sites to participate in voluntary HIV counseling and testing conducted by trained and experienced personnel.

MacKenzie adds that there are several reasons why people put off getting tested, like a fear of needles.

Participants can take either a blood test, which gives results in about 60 seconds, or a cheek swab, which gives results in about 30 minutes.

An estimated 1 person in 8 living with HIV doesn’t know it, according to data shared yesterday by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The health center provides outreach services to about 600 residents with HIV and AIDS.

The CDC recommends that people at high risk of HIV infection – including those who inject drugs – be tested at least once a year for HIV, and that everyone be tested at least once.

“These staggering numbers represent real lives of real individuals in our community who are living with a preventable and treatable infection”.