World AIDS Day 2006
Annual commemoration to stress “accountability”

RTP, NC | November 29, 2006

World AIDS Day 2006 will be commemorated this year with a call for leaders to make good on pledges in the global battle against HIV/AIDS.

Organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1988, World AIDS Day is held annually on December 1 st to increase awareness of the worldwide impact of HIV/AIDS. The theme for this year's WAD is “accountability” and urges public health and government leaders to keep commitments made to fight HIV/AIDS, such as expanding access to HIV testing and care. The need for such programs is underscored by UNAIDS estimates of 38.6 million people currently living with AIDS around the world, most of whom are in impoverished areas like Sub-Saharan Africa.

In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there are over 1 million people currently living with HIV/AIDS, about a quarter of who don't know they're infected. HIV/AIDS also disproportionately impacts African-Americans, who make up roughly half of all cases. CDC recently announced updated HIV screening recommendations that call for routine HIV testing in U.S. health care settings for all individuals ages 13-64, regardless of risk factors.

ASHA president and CEO Lynn B. Barclay says “As we look at the sobering statistics that hammer home the medical and economic impact of HIV/AIDS in this country and around the world, the need is clear for comprehensive programs that teach people how to protect themselves against sexually transmitted infections like HIV.” Barclay notes that while abstinence is the best way to avoid STIs, studies show that those who are sexually active can greatly reduce their risk for STIs and HIV by using latex condoms consistently and correctly.

For more information visit the World AIDS Campaign Web site at http://www.worldaidscampaign.org/wadcd2006/en/day.html 
Learn more about HIV/STD prevention at
http://www.ashastd.org/learn/learn_hiv_aids_overview.cfm