December 1st is World AIDS Day, an international day dedicated to spreading awareness of AIDS and HIV, and a day to mourn those lost to AIDS. It was conceived by two WHO (World Health Organization) members in 1987 and the first day was celebrated in 1988. Traditionally marked by wearing a red ribbon, it is observed by all United Nations member countries around the world and each year the UN designates a theme for the year.
In 2023, the theme is “Let Communities Lead.” The UN’s goal of this year’s theme is to highlight the ways in which local communities are the frontline of fighting the HIV epidemic. At Access Health Louisiana (AHL), we have community health centers across Southeast Louisiana dedicated to providing community-focused HIV care to the people we serve.
World AIDS Day is a time to reflect on how far we have come, but also to look to the future and recognize there is still work to be done to end the epidemic. In Louisiana, in 2021, 21,522 people were living with HIV, and 899 people were newly infected with the virus. Louisiana ranked 4th in the nation in 2020 for HIV case rates, with New Orleans ranking 9th in the nation among large metropolitan areas. Although much progress has been made since the discovery of HIV, we still have work to do. Ending the HIV epidemic is possible through prevention, testing, treatment, advocacy and breaking down stigma.
Preventing HIV is possible through many avenues. The most common method is proper condom use. When used properly, male condoms are up to 90% effective and female condoms are up to 94% effective at preventing the spread of HIV.
For those at higher risk of contracting HIV, through sex or injection drug use, PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is recommended. PrEP is a daily pill or a bimonthly injection that can reduce your risk of contracting HIV by 99%. It is available at no extra cost to most individuals.
If you have been exposed to HIV in the past 72 hours (about 3 days), you can take PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis), a 28-day pill regimen taken after potential exposure to HIV. PEP works to prevent HIV from taking hold in your body. If you or someone you know has been exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours, it is imperative that you get on PEP to prevent contracting HIV. You can call Access Health Louisiana to get an appointment for emergency PEP at (504) 226-2976.
Testing for HIV is another key factor in ending the epidemic. The CDC recommends that everyone aged 13-64 be tested for HIV at least once as part of their routine health care. Knowing your status and the status of your partner(s) can help keep you and your community healthy.
At AHL, we offer routine testing through our primary care appointments, free walk-in rapid testing, and free at-home rapid HIV tests. If you are interested in a free at-home HIV test, you can request one to be sent to you here. The test will be sent in plain packaging to protect your privacy.
Although there is no cure for HIV, with antiretroviral treatment those diagnosed can live long healthy lives. Treatment also allows those living with HIV to reach an undetectable viral status by taking their medication consistently. Reaching and maintaining an undetectable viral load means that you cannot transmit HIV to your sexual partners, a concept known as Undetectable=Untransmittable or U=U. Reaching and maintaining an undetectable status allows people living with HIV to live without worrying about sexually transmitting HIV, get pregnant without fear of their child contracting the disease, and help end HIV stigma.
While ending the HIV epidemic is the goal, it is important to acknowledge those who have lost their lives to HIV/AIDS. Bounce to Zero will be holding a wreath laying ceremony on December 1st to pay respect to those who have lost their lives to AIDS-related complications. More information can be found on their website here.
At Access Health Louisiana, we are here to help our communities end the HIV epidemic. We can offer testing, PrEP, PEP, treatment, and case management for those living with HIV. You can call to make an appointment at (504) 226-2976 or visit our website here. Join us in wearing red on Friday December 1st to commemorate those living with HIV and those we have lost.
References
https://www.unaids.org/en/2023-world-aids-day
https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/testing/index.html
