Today is World AIDS Day.
According to UNAIDS, an estimated 39.5 million adults and children are living with HIV. Approximately 4.3 million became newly infected with HIV in 2006 and 2.9 million died due to AIDS-related illnesses. Sub-Saharan Africa remains the epicentre of the AIDS pandemic, but no country is unaffected, and incidence rates are rising in a number of developed countries.
Although expanded access to treatment is estimated to have averted 250,000 to 350,000 deaths between 2003 and 2005, globally, antiretroviral drugs still reach only one in five who need them.
2006 is the 25th anniversary of the identification of “AIDS” – Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome – although evidence exists to suggest earlier cases. More than 25 million people have died of AIDS-related causes since 1981.
To mark World AIDS Day, free AIDS tests will be offered in Tel Aviv’s Scheinin Park on Friday. The tests will be administered by health maintenance organization Clalit and Beilinson Hospital, but will be available to everyone with Israeli health insurance between 10:30 and 3 P.M.
As part of AIDS awareness week, free AIDS tests will also be available on the Tel Aviv University campus, Sunday through Tuesday, 10:00-16:00.
1 response so far ↓
Yael // Dec 1, 2006 at 10:08 pm
Thank you for posting this! Having lost two relatives to AIDs and having a friend who became infected through an unfaithful husband I always encourage people to get tested every few years even if you think you are not at risk. Caught early, you can live a long and healthy life. Caught late, the picture is grim.
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