The Fresno County Department of Public Health (FCDPH) is observing World AIDS Day, which takes place every year on December 1. The theme for World AIDS Day 2022 is “Putting Ourselves to the Test: Achieving Equity to End HIV.” This year’s theme emphasizes accountability and action through an approach that centers on communities disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. World AIDS Day is important because it reminds the public and Government that HIV is still a major health issue. There is still a vital need to increase awareness, fight stigma and prejudice, and improve education.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 30,635 people received an HIV diagnosis in the United States in 2020. There is an estimated 1,189,700 people with HIV living in the United States since the end of 2019, the most recent year for which this information is available. Of those people, about 87% knew they had HIV. In Fresno County there were about 150 new cases of HIV and 60 new cases of AIDS in 2021.
“The story of HIV/AIDS shows that with hope, global cooperation, and a persistent focus on improving the lives of all patients, the world community can overcome the most daunting obstacles. This year, we commemorate the progress that has been made, and renew our commitment to preventing HIV and ending AIDS by addressing issues of equity and access,” says Dr. Rais Vohra, Fresno County Interim Health Officer.
The FCDPH recommends that people who are at high-risk for being exposed to HIV utilize pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) medications to decrease the risk of acquiring HIV. For those who are living with HIV, starting treatment early and staying in HIV care is vital to managing HIV disease. Take HIV medication as prescribed to achieve viral suppression and reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to others. Undetectable equals Untransmittable! U = U!
“Know Your Status.” Getting tested is the only way to find out if you have HIV. Appointments are available for a FREE HIV test. For more information, please call the FCDPH HIV Prevention Program at (559) 392-4702.
For additional information on HIV and AIDS, visit www.cdc.gov/hiv or www.justthetipsfresno.com.
Several opportunities are available for media partners and the public to learn more about AIDS and HIV. Please see the times and locations on the following page for more information.
World AIDS Day 2022 Local Events:
November 29, 2022
Worlds AIDS Day/The Future of HIV Discussion
Provided by Jena Adams, Fresno County Public Health Department
The Living Room—1330 E. Olive Ave, Fresno, 93728
1:30pm-2:30pm
November 30, 2022
Community Resource Fair CSUF Memorial Garden
11:00am-1:30pm
Free HIV Testing
Provided by The Living Room
CSUF Resnick Student Union, Room 210 & 212
10:00am-2:00pm
HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) 101: What it is, What it isn’t, How to get it.
Provided by Maria Zendejas, Fresno County Public Health Department
12:00pm-1:30pm
Zoom link: https://bit.ly/FSPREP2022
World AIDS Day/The Future of HIV Discussion
Provided by Jena Adams, Fresno County Public Health Department
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
6:00pm-7:00pm
Zoom link: https://bit.ly/3UbpE40
December 1, 2022
HIV Panel Discussion
CSUF Henry Madden Library, Room 2206, Second Floor
12:00pm-1:30pm
Reading of Names and Candlelight Vigil
The Living Room—1330 E. Olive Ave., Fresno, 93728
6:00pm-7:00pm
