If you have read this blog you know that HIV/AIDS awareness is something I feel very strongly about. I spent ten weeks this past summer working to educate and reduce the stigma around getting tested and being HIV positive. Today is World AIDS day, a day meant to raise awareness and demonstrate international solidarity. The World Health Organization (WHO) has given us the theme of "Getting to Zero". Zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS related deaths by 2015. THE ONLY WAY to make this happen is through education, understanding, and getting tested.
Of the people infected with HIV in the US, the CDC estimates nearly 21% are unaware that they are infected. This statistic is even more startling in adolescents - more than 50% of HIV infected adolescents in the US do not know their status.
I am BEGGING you to get tested. If you can't do it for yourself, do it for your partner. Or your family. Or me.
The National HIV and STD testing resources website : www.hivtest.org
Text your zip code to the number KNOWIT (566984) and receive local testing centers.
If you don't know, now you know.
