Newsgram

Saturday, December 1 marks the 30th anniversary of World AIDS Day. Launched in 1988, the annual observance highlights worldwide efforts to combat HIV/AIDS. World AIDS Day is also an occasion to show support for those living with HIV and to remember those who have died from the infection.

Although antiretroviral therapy has transformed HIV from a nearly always fatal infection into a manageable chronic condition, HIV remains a global health threat. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2017, worldwide approximately 36.9 million people were living with HIV, an estimated 940,000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses, and about 1.8 million people were newly infected with HIV.

In observance of World AIDS Day, the City of St. Louis Department of Health (HIV and STD Prevention) hosted several free activities open to the public on Friday, November 30. Activities included Red Ribbon distribution for members of the community to wear throughout the day and on Dec. 1, HIV testing, a Quilt Dedication Ceremony and a moment of silence to recognize and pay respects to those who have lost their lives from AIDS.

Following are several suggestions of things you can do for World AIDS Day:

• Wear red to display a unified front towards combating HIV/AIDS on Dec. 1
• Get tested for HIV. The CDC recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care.
• Educate yourself on HIV and AIDS and help educate others. Go to www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/index.html to learn more.

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