HIV/AIDS isn't something that gets in the news much anymore.

With the New Jersey AIDS Walk coming up on Sunday, May 3rd in Atlantic City and four other New Jersey locations, this seems like a good time for a quick refresher on this pandemic.

Even with the advances we've made fighting the virus over the years, America is still facing a major ongoing HIV epidemic, with around 50,000 new infections per year.

Stigma and discrimination continue to hamper people's access to HIV prevention, testing and treatment services, fueling the cycle of new infections.

New Jersey ranks among the top ten states with the highest rate of HIV infection in the country.

Since its discovery in 1981, HIV/AIDS has killed more than 25 million people. If left untreated, HIV gradually weakens the body’s immune system, usually over a period of up to 10 years after infection.

There are currently around 1.1 million people living with HIV in the United States with 16 percent unaware of their infection. Since the beginning of the HIV and AIDS epidemic, 600,000 people have died of AIDS-related illnesses in America.

The USA lacked a comprehensive plan on HIV until 2010 when President Obama created a National HIV/AIDS Strategy.

Please join Lite Rock 96.9 WFPG to spread hope, create awareness and raise money in the fight against the AIDS crisis by participating in this year's AIDS Walk on the Atlantic City Boardwalk.

 

 

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