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CONTACT: Stephanie Marquis, (608) 266-1683
WORLD AIDS DAY
IS DECEMBER 1st
MADISON - As people around the globe mark the 21st anniversary of
World AIDS Day on December 1st, state health officials report that HIV
infection rates in Wisconsin are rising again. In 2008, 391 new cases of
HIV infection were reported in the state. More than 6,800 people are
estimated to be living with HIV/AIDS in Wisconsin and more than 33 million
people worldwide are living with HIV.
World AIDS Day reminds us that we are all part of a worldwide
AIDS/HIV epidemic, said Secretary Karen Timberlake. The number of
people living with HIV continues to grow as new infections occur and HIV
treatments successfully extend life. Each of us shares in the challenge of
helping people who need HIV prevention and treatment services.
The impact of HIV in Wisconsin continues to weigh heavily on minority
communities. The reported HIV infection rate in 2008 was 11 times greater
for African Americans and five times greater for Hispanics than for
Whites. In 2008, 68 percent of all females reported with HIV infection in
Wisconsin were members of race/ethnic minority groups. Among females, the
reported HIV infection rate was 21 times greater for African Americans and
eight times greater for Hispanics than for Whites.
The HIV infection rate among men who have sex with men in Wisconsin has
also increased 36 percent between 2000 and 2008 which the majority of the
increase occurring in males under 30 years of age. African American men
who have sex with men have also seen significant increases with reports of
HIV infection tripling in the Milwaukee metro area during the same time
period.
There are several ways individuals can prevent HIV infection:
Practice safe-sex methods to prevent HIV
Talk about HIV prevention with family, friends, and colleagues
Get tested for HIV
Decide not to engage in high risk behaviors
Provide support to people living with HIV/AIDS
Get involved with community efforts to raise awareness about HIV
prevention and treatment
In 2008, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
released new estimates indicating that more than 1.1 million people are
living with HIV and some 56,300 new HIV infections occur each year in the
U.S. On average, every 9 ½ minutes someone in the United States is
infected with HIV.
If you have questions about HIV or HIV testing, you are encouraged to
talk with your health care provider, local health department, or call
1-800-334-2437 to locate HIV testing resources in Wisconsin. To learn more
about World AIDS Day and HIV infection in Wisconsin, go to http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/aids-hiv
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Last Revised: July 12, 2010 |
