World AIDS Day: Santa Clara County’s Public Health Department held a touching vigil in the AIDS Commemorative Grove at Guadalupe River Park on World AIDS Day to highlight HIV/AIDS’s accomplishments and challenges.
While significant strides have been taken in combatting the virus, officials underscored that approximately 35,000 people still contract HIV in the United States each year. The county marked the occasion with a symbolic flag raising at the Santa Clara County Administrative building.
Dr. Akansha Vaidya, assistant public health officer and HIV/STI controller for Santa Clara Public Health, remarked on the day. “We not only remember those who’ve lost their lives to AIDS but really honor and celebrate those who fought to get us where we are today.”
The advancements in HIV treatments have allowed individuals like David Morse, who tested positive in 1982, to lead normal lives. Morse expressed gratitude for the progress: “Now people are living undetectable, untransmittable for normal lifespans. I mean, it can’t get a lot better than that.”
However, despite the notable strides, challenges persist, and experts acknowledge that there is still work to be done. According to the county’s public health department, as of the most recent data in 2022, 3,770 people are living with HIV in Santa Clara County.
Racial disparities in HIV data are evident, with 60% of new HIV diagnoses in 2022 occurring among the Hispanic and Latino community. Dr. Vaidya suggested that barriers to access, driven by cost or insurance limitations, may contribute to this disparity.
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The necessity for comprehensive measures to address and correct these gaps is highlighted by this demographic trend in Santa Clara County and nationwide. San Francisco pharmacist and Mission Wellness Pharmacy president Dr. Maria Lopez stressed HIV prevention and care education.
Lopez has been involved in initiatives that enhance education and resources, particularly for the Hispanic and Latino community. Mission Wellness Pharmacy, as the first in California, provides medications like PREP directly to community members, contributing to a national model that addresses HIV prevention.
Despite progress, public health experts emphasize awareness, testing, and treatment. Dr. Vaidya said, “World AIDS Day reminds us that the fight is not over, and we really need to work with the community to break barriers to access to testing and treatment.”
Our Reader’s Queries
What is World AIDS Day and why is it celebrated?
Every year, on December 1st, the globe observes World AIDS Day. It’s a time for individuals worldwide to come together and demonstrate their solidarity for those living with HIV, as well as to honor those who have passed away due to AIDS-related illnesses. Each World AIDS Day has a unique theme, and this year’s focus is on Let Communities Lead.
What is the theme for World AIDS Day 2023?
World AIDS Day 2023, themed “Let communities lead”, is a chance to look back on the strides we’ve made, acknowledge the hurdles we still face in ending AIDS by 2030, and rally all stakeholders to work together towards a successful HIV response. Let’s take this opportunity to raise awareness and renew our commitment to this important cause.
Why is World AIDS Day on the 1st December?
Bunn, a San Francisco-based ex-TV journalist, suggested December 1 as the ideal date for World AIDS Day. He believed that this would ensure maximum coverage by western news media, as it falls after the US elections but before the Christmas holidays.
What is the oath for AIDS Day?
I vow to put an end to HIV stigma by educating myself about the virus and spreading awareness among others. By working together, we can put a stop to HIV once and for all. Let’s all do our part in this fight against HIV.