The topic of HIV/AIDS is still stigmatized and shied away from. Even though there is much more factual information on the disease, many are still nervous when talking about HIV/AIDS, and some prefer not to talk about it at all. We understand it is a personal subject, but HIV/AIDS is a disease that still lingers in our communities. Whether we like it or not, it is a conversation that must be addressed.
MyCHN is proud to say that we are fighting to eliminate HIV/AIDS and provide resources within the community to help prevent and treat the disease. But we also find it important to educate the community. As Elin Nordegren said, “Education is the one thing no one can take away from you.” By educating the communities we serve, we do our part in tackling the stigma that comes with HIV/AIDS.
What Is AIDS?
HIV is a virus that attacks the cells that help with fighting infections. It can be transmitted sexually or by sharing needles, syringes, or other drug injection devices. The infection has stages, and AIDS is the last stage of HIV. This occurs when the immune system is so severely damaged by the virus and can no longer fight bacteria, viruses, etc., that attack our bodies.
Is AIDS Still A Problem?
The answer to this question is straightforward. AIDS is still a problem all over the world. About 38 million people are living with HIV. It is a global and national epidemic that has not gone anywhere. This might not sound like the best news, but we are not living blind. Fortunately, more prevention methods and treatments exist, and various countries are working to solve this disease.
Education is a big key in eventually eliminating the disease. The National HIV/AIDS Strategy and the Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. Initiative are all about education and testing. Knowing how you can get the disease and where you can get tested is the only way to solve the problem at the moment. Progress is being made, but we must all acknowledge that we still have a lot of work to do regarding education.
World AIDS Vaccine Day
May 18th, 2023, is World AIDS Vaccine Day. While we do not have a vaccine that cures HIV/AIDS yet, this day is observed as a chance to thank volunteers, communities, health professionals, and scientists for working together to find an effective and safe HIV vaccine. In addition, it is a way to educate the community about HIV prevention services and the HIV research that is happening.
So, let’s use this time to thank all healthcare professionals, scientists, and volunteers for working to find a cure for this disease. We know that a safe and effective cure will eventually be found because of their hard work.
As a community health center, it is our job to have resources available, and we do. MyCHN has an HIV Initiative program that includes 1 minute HIV testing and a consultation appointment. There is also HIV prevention in the form of PrEP and HIV treatment. For more information or to schedule a consultation and a 1 minute HIV test, visit MyCHN.org/hiv-initiative or call 281-824-1480.
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Tolulope Ayoola
Tolulope Ayoola is the creative marketing content writer at MyCHN. She graduated from the University of Houston-Downtown with a degree in Technical Communications. Her goal and mission is to make healthcare patient content more relatable and interesting to interact with. She combines her creative eye with her technical communication skills to create content for patients. Tolu's past work includes creating blogs, press releases, and social media content for different sectors. She enjoys spending time with her family, writing, and listening to music & podcasts.
