Today is World AIDS Day, which renews opportunities for health service agencies to work actively and collaboratively with partners to raise awareness about HIV and move closer to an AIDS-free generation.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Public Health employees came together with Saint Augustine’s University to create a human ribbon in recognition of World AIDS Day. Participants wore red to raise awareness, and formed a ribbon on the Saint Augustine Falcon’s football field.
“As we pause today to honor all those who have lost their lives to AIDS, and all those who continue to live with HIV, we also have great reason to look to the future with hope,” said State HIV/STD Director Jacquelyn Clymore. “We know how to treat HIV so that each person living with the virus stays healthier and lives longer.”
While there is no cure for the HIV infection, effective treatment with antiretroviral drugs can control the virus so that people with HIV can enjoy healthy lives.
“We now have more tools than ever to prevent HIV transmissions,” said State HIV/STD Director Victoria Mobley, M.D. “Healthcare providers should routinely assess their patients’ HIV and sexually transmitted infection risks and discuss risk reduction strategies.”
A proclamation signed by Governor Pat McCrory proclaims today World AIDS Day in North Carolina, and encourages efforts to improve education, prevention, research and community service in North Carolina to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS.