Get Tested on National HIV Testing Day, June 27

HIV Testing Is Key to Prevention

Photo: Two men More than one million Americans are living with HIV infection, and approximately one in five don't know it. CDC recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 be tested for HIV at least once in their lifetime, and those at increased risk—such as gay and bisexual men, injection drug users, or persons with multiple sexual partners—should be tested at least annually. Testing is an essential first step to link persons with HIV infection to medical care and ongoing support to improve their health and help them maintain safer behaviors.CDC also recommends that pregnant women get tested early in their pregnancy so steps can be taken that will prevent transmission of HIV to their babies.

Everyone needs to know their HIV status. Studies show that once persons learn they are HIV-infected, most take steps to protect their own health (by seeking medical care) and that of their partners. At least 1 in 3 persons in the United States who test positive for HIV is tested too late to get the full advantage of treatment. Early HIV testing reduces the spread of disease, extends life expectancy, and reduces costs of care. Every new HIV infection prevented saves approximately $367,000 in lifetime medical costs. Early testing and diagnosis is key to prevention; treatment and prevention have the most impact when HIV is identified early. Although the importance of HIV testing is undeniable, about 55% of American adults, aged 18–64, have never been tested for HIV. Even among persons at higher risk for HIV infection, 28% have never been tested. HIV testing and linkage to care are vital parts of a comprehensive strategy to identify all persons with HIV infections and to begin early intervention.

National HIV Testing Day Reminds Us That HIV Testing Saves Lives

This year marks the 18th National HIV Testing Day (NHTD), organized annually by the National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA) with support from CDC and AIDS.gov. NAPWA and other NHTD organizers reach out to communities at increased risk of HIV infection, especially gay and bisexual men of all races, African Americans, and Latinos. Evidence that effective, early antiviral treatment is not only good for patients but also makes their infection less contagious underscores that finding persons with HIV infection as soon as possible is good both for people living with HIV infection and for public health. Testing identifies infected persons, who can then seek medical care that can improve the quality and length of their lives and reduce risk for HIV transmission.

CDC Works with Partners to Expand HIV Testing and Awareness about Testing

CDC continues to work with federal, state, and local partners to expand routine HIV testing—not just on NHTD, but all year long. In 2010, the National HIV/AIDS Strategy established a goal of increasing, by 2015, from 79% to 90% the percentage of persons living with HIV who are aware of their infection. Reaching this goal will require increased testing efforts, particularly among populations that account for most HIV diagnoses. For NHTD, CDC is working with Greater than AIDS and Get Yourself Tested (GYT) campaigns to increase HIV and STD testing in 7 cities (through TV/Radio PSAs, on-line banner ads, and celebrity spokespersons.)

Together, we can prevent HIV infection and AIDS: one voice, one experience, one community at a time.

What Can We Do on This National HIV Testing Day and Throughout the Year?

Everyone can

Get tested for HIV
- Ask your doctor for an HIV test and get tested.
- If you inject drugs, get an HIV test at least once a year.
- If you are a gay or bisexual man, get an HIV test at least once a year.
- Find a place to get tested in your community at www.hivtest.org or text your zip code to KNOW IT, that's 5-6-6-9-4-8.

Doctors can

Offer patients HIV tests as a routine part of their health care.
Test women for HIV each time they are pregnant.
Connect persons at high risk for HIV to services that help them lower their risk and prevent them from getting infected.
Make sure persons who have HIV get treatment and the services they need to lower their risk of infecting others.

Communities can

Support HIV testing and make it more available.
Provide services such as medical care, social services, and programs shown to change behavior and lower risk to persons at risk for HIV, as well as persons living with HIV.
Take action on social issues that increase the risk of HIV, such as poverty, homelessness, racism, sexism, and discrimination against persons who are gay or bisexual.
Support HIV-infected persons with needed services such as housing, job training, family planning, and mental health and substance abuse services, and fight stigma and discrimination.

Health departments can

Create programs and adopt policies to get those at high risk tested early and often. Make sure that those who have a positive test get care quickly.
Educate persons about how HIV testing and early treatment benefits them and their communities.
Link persons to services that prevent HIV and provide care to persons with HIV infection.

U.S. Government can

Work to achieve the goals of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy.
Continue to provide funding to help those at highest risk.
Target differences in HIV infection rates by focusing on high-risk communities, which include gay and bisexual men of all races/ethnicities, African Americans, Latinos, and persons who inject drugs.

More Information

Basic HIV Information
Learn about HIV/AIDS, how it is and is not transmitted, the risk factors for HIV transmission, preventing transmission, and the symptoms of HIV infection.
National HIV Testing Database
Find an HIV test site near you from the National HIV Testing Database, a CDC-sponsored service available 24 hours a day.
CDC HIV/AIDS Topic: Testing
Learn about resources on HIV testing from CDC, including rapid tests, testing in health care settings, and more.
LGBT Health
Find key information related to the health of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons.
Business Responds to AIDS/Labor Respond to AIDS
Find HIV and AIDS resources for businesses and labor organizations.
Act Against AIDS
Be a Part of the Solution.
National HIV Testing Day CDC Radio PSA [PSA : 0:30 seconds]
National HIV Testing Day 2011 Audio Podcast with Dr. Kevin Fenton, CDC [PODCAST - 3:07 minutes]
Statement by the President on National HIV Testing Day
Statement from HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on 17th Annual HIV Testing Day
National HIV Testing Day 2011
Blog post by Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, Director, CDC
National HIV Testing Day 2011
Blog post by Dr. Kevin Fenton, Director, National Center for HIV/AIDS Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, CDC