December 1, 2010

On December 1, CDC and its partners commemorate World AIDS Day to raise awareness of the impact of HIV/AIDS and recognize the success and progress of HIV programs made to date. We also commit ourselves to continue our battle against HIV.

This year we observe World AIDS Day and mark the tremendous impact of the global and domestic HIV epidemic.  Globally, CDC is proud to be a key implementing partner of PEPFAR, which supported treatment for nearly 2.5 million people, and care and support to nearly 11 million, including more than 3.6 million orphans and vulnerable children through September 2009. 

On the domestic side, the newest edition of CDC Vital Signs focuses on HIV Testing in the United States.  Overall testing rates have increased since 2006, when CDC recommended that HIV testing become a routine part of medical care. On average, every 9 ½ minutes someone in the United States is infected with HIV, and too many of these people do not know they are infected.  CDC recommends everyone should be tested for HIV and those at increased risk should be tested at least annually.

Vital Signs is not just about data—it is about action. We look forward to working together with our partners on further expanding HIV testing as a step toward ending this epidemic.

Additionally, last week CDC published two Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Reports (MMWRs) focused on HIV and TB coinfection–Mortality Among Patients with Tuberculosis and Associations with HIV Status—United States, 1993-2008, and HIV Testing and Treatment Among Tuberculosis Patients—Kenya, 2006-2009. Please take a moment to read these studies.