Washington, DC, has an HIV infection rate of three percent -- the highest in the US.
This story is adapted from a broadcast audio segment; use audio player to listen to story in its entirety.
When the AIDS virus first emerged almost three decades ago, a diagnosis was as good as a death sentence. Today, thanks to advances in medicine, that's no longer the case. Thirty million people in the world are living with HIV, and they're living longer, healthier lives.
But the bigger challenge is still prevention. Last year, 2.7 million more people contracted HIV, and despite nearly 30 years of awareness, there are still countries where the infection rates are still growing.
"We often speak about AIDS as if it's going on somewhere else, and for good reason," said President Obama in October of 2009. "This is a virus that has touched lives and decimated communities around the world, particularly in Africa. But often overlooked is the fact that we face a serious HIV-AIDS epidemic of our own. Right here in Washington, DC, and right here in the United States of America."
But the bigger challenge is still prevention. Last year, 2.7 million more people contracted HIV, and despite nearly 30 years of awareness, there are still countries where the infection rates are still growing.
"We often speak about AIDS as if it's going on somewhere else, and for good reason," said President Obama in October of 2009. "This is a virus that has touched lives and decimated communities around the world, particularly in Africa. But often overlooked is the fact that we face a serious HIV-AIDS epidemic of our own. Right here in Washington, DC, and right here in the United States of America."
No comments:
Post a Comment