'Collective Action: Sustain and Accelerate HIV Progress'is World AIDS Day theme

November 20, 2024 - MONTGOMERY, AL - World AIDS Day is held December 1 each year. This day is an opportunity for public and private partners to spread awareness about the status of the epidemic and encourage progress in HIV prevention, treatment, and care around the world.

The World AIDS Day 2024 theme is, "Collective Action: Sustain and Accelerate HIV Progress."The goal is to acknowledge and celebrate the progress made as well as recognize challenges when it comes to HIV treatment.

HIV is not curable, but it is 100 percent preventable. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends being tested at least once a year if a person engages in activities that can transmit HIV infection. Strategies such as abstinence, not sharing needles, and using condoms correctly are methods to prevent HIV. Medical treatments such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) are other strategies used to prevent HIV. When adhered to as prescribed, both PrEP and PEP are highly effective for preventing HIV.

Vontrese McGhee, Director of the Alabama Department of Public Health Office of HIV Prevention and Care, states, "Over the years, HIV care has advanced, but we still have a long way to go. We want to continue to ensure equitable treatment and services for all populations."

For more information about HIV and free testing, visithttps://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/hiv/testing.html