Twenty-one years ago a world summit of health ministers declared that a global effort was needed to confront the illness known as Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Such was the birth, on this day in 1988, of World AIDS Day.
More than two decades have passed since then and the medical advances have been extraordinary, despite the fact that there is still no vaccine to prevent the disease and much less a treatment that can cure it.
Scientific breakthroughs have enabled us to understand the HIV virus and to develop medicines such that today, AIDS is not a death sentence. Although many do continue to die from this disease here in the United States as well as in countries where there is limited access to medicines.
We are concerned that the progress made is now resulting in a dangerous complacency. According to the Center for Disease Control, HIV/AIDS cases have increased in our country. At the same time, there has been a decrease in the attention focused on the disease among certain sectors including young people, Latino and African-American men, immigrant populations, prisoners, and marginalized groups. On the other hand, access to medicines that can extend life of those of those with HIV/AIDS has given a false sense of security that has prompted a return to risky practices among some.
In this regard, Dr. Peter Piot, Executive Director of UNAIDS, has described AIDS as a "disease of inequalities," which continues to spread because of deep roots of social injustices such as gender inequality, marginalization, and the criminalization of vulnerable groups.
We believe, given this situation, that this year’s theme, "leadership," is most appropriate. Authorities have the responsibility to take a multi-level approach to end new transmissions and provide treatment for populations that have the least access and the most need.
We must also recognize that there is an important aspect of individual responsibility to behave prudently and to get tested for HIV/AIDS. One of the problems is that thousands of people who are carriers of the virus don't know it. This situation within the Latino community is an obstacle to seeking timely treatment and is increasing the death rate.
Fighting AIDS is everyone's battle. It will be won through individual actions, targeted policies, and most fundamentally, with information free from prejudice.
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