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The Spokane Regional Health District was part of an awareness event earlier
this month calling attention to the global HIV/AIDS pandemic. World AIDS Day on
Dec. 1 served to focus global attention on the devastating impact of HIV/AIDS,
a disease that has claimed 25 million lives since 1981.
"Americans
should be reminded that HIV/AIDS continues to ravage the lives of too many people
here and across the globe," said Susan Sjoberg, HIV/AIDS program manager
for the Spokane Regional Health District. "In the U.S., there are now over
a million people who are HIV-positive, with about 40,000 infections occurring
every year. "We must refocus our nation's attention on this ongoing disease
- not only overseas, but here at home."
An estimated 38.6 million people
throughout the world were living with HIV at the end of 2005.
Approximately
25 percent of those infected with HIV don't know they are positive for the virus.
By being tested, those who are HIV-positive can begin treatment and other services.
The
Spokane Regional Health District offers an oral HIV test that can produce reliable
results within 20 minutes. Testing is available to anyone, and is free to those
who may have had unsafe sex or used injection drugs. Early detection of HIV infection
improves the chances of a longer and healthier life is medical care is sought.
About
50 percent of new HIV infections are among people aged 15-24. The best methods
for reducing the risk of HIV infection continue to be abstinence, long-term monogamy
and safer sex methods like condom use, although condoms offer no guarantee against
HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases.
The virus that causes AIDS
spreads through unprotected contact with the blood or sexual fluids of an infected
individual. Mothers who are HIV infected can also transmit the virus to their
infants through breast milk.
The Health District's HIV/AIDS program
offers HIV/AIDS education and counseling, case management and referral services.
All services are free. Confidential and anonymous HIV testing is available
and carries a slight charge, but is free of cost to those identified as high risk.
The district also offers programs that cover costs for health services, medications,
and treatments for HIV-positive patients. For more information about available
services, call 324-1542. Click
here to...
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