FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 1, 2014

Contact: Communications Office
(850) 245-4111

TALLAHASSEE—December 1st is widely recognized as World AIDS Day and the Florida Department of Health joins community partners across the state to highlight the importance of HIV testing. This year’s theme, “Focus, Partner, Achieve: An AIDS-free Generation”, offers an opportunity to reflect on progress made to eliminate HIV infection as well as a focus on providing awareness and education about HIV/AIDS.

“World AIDS Day provides a platform to encourage everyone to get tested and to know their status,” said Dr. Celeste Philip, Deputy Secretary for Health and Deputy State Health Officer for Children’s Medical Services (CMS). “We know that effective treatment prevents further transmission of the virus and will help bring an end to HIV/AIDS.”

Over the past 30 years, tremendous progress has been made in the prevention and treatment of HIV infection. There has been a dramatic reduction in the number of babies born infected with HIV as well as a decrease in the number of HIV-related deaths. Although the prognosis for people with HIV/AIDS has improved, with many now living long and productive lives, statewide and local efforts continue to exist in order to address current challenges.

• In the U.S., 1 in 6 HIV-infected adults aren’t aware of their status
• Each year more than 50,000 people in the U.S. become infected with HIV; over 4,000 in Florida
• More than 1.1 million people in the U.S. are living with HIV; more than 106,000 in Florida
• HIV is the 2nd leading cause of death among black women and the 5th leading cause of death among Hispanic women
• Men account for 70% of people living with HIV/AIDS in Florida

The Florida Department of Health has developed a comprehensive program for preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS and for providing care and treatment to those already infected. This comprehensive approach includes HIV surveillance, education, prevention, counseling, testing, care and treatment. For more information please visit www.FloridaAIDS.org.

For more information regarding World AIDS Day and events in your local area please visit www.wemakethechange.com.

The Department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. During 2014, the Department is recognizing 125 years of public health in Florida with educational opportunities and events. Please visit www.FLHealth125.gov for more information.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.floridahealth.gov.