Stop AIDS - Keep The Promise

Statehealth officials are encouraging people to learn more about the global AIDS/HIVepidemic and their personal risk for HIV infection. The 2007 World AIDS Dayslogan of 'Stop AIDS - Keep the promise' focuses on leadership and theimportance of sustaining resources and individual efforts directed toward HIVprevention and treatment, both locally and globally.

"World AIDSDay draws attention to the growing global AIDS/HIV epidemic," said Dr. SheriJohnson, State Health Officer. "Whilecommunity mobilization and global action are critical, individual knowledge ofone's risk, HIV testing, and early treatment are fundamental to effectiveprevention."

Healthofficials report that more than 6,800 people worldwide are infected with HIVevery day, and roughly 33.2 million people are estimated to be living with HIVor AIDS around the globe. Approximately 400 new cases are reported in Wisconsin each year.

Since 1983,more than 9,800 people in Wisconsinhave been diagnosed with HIV infection, and over 3,600 of them have died.Currently, an estimated 6,225 people are reported to be living with HIV/AIDS inWisconsin. In addition, approximately 25 percent ofpeople currently living with HIV infection are not aware they are infected,according to the Department of Health and Family Services.

"HIVinfection has occurred among all racial and ethnic groups in Wisconsin," Johnson said. "The disparity among the racial and ethnicgroups continues to be a great concern."

Johnsonadded that in 2007, Wisconsinreceived a substantial increase in federal Ryan White funding that supports coremedical and support services for low income persons living with HIV infection. "With this funding, the Department and itscommunity partners have increased access to medical, dental, mental health andsubstance abuse services for persons with HIV, while enhancing the capacity ofminority community-based organizations to provide these services," Johnsonsaid.