By: Lawanda Ford-Johnson
Have you ever been tested for HIV? Do you know if you are HIV positive? For thousands of people in the United States, the answer to these questions is a resounding NO. Despite national prevention efforts and educational programs, the reported cases of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, in the United States are on the rise.
Well into the third decade of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, incidents of HIV infection remain high. In the black community, the rates of infection are staggering. HIV/AIDS, which was once thought of as a homosexual disease, has become the ultimate equal-opportunity destroyer. HIV does not see color, sex, class or age. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statistics reveal the number of HIV infection rates among those who identify themselves as heterosexual has proportionally increased more than that of homosexual men or intravenous drug users.
Advances in and lowered costs of the treatment of HIV/AIDS allow many infected persons to live longer and healthier lives. Some believe these advances have led to a delusion about the consequences of an HIV diagnosis. In some instances, individuals have stated that HIV is treatable and not as "bad" as it used to be. For example, many believe that Magic Johnson has been either cured or that the virus just "disappeared." Thus, the urgency to get tested and the caution of the '80s and '90s have gone the way of the Dodo.
Many individuals make a choice not to be tested and continue risky behavior, which in turn perpetuates the increase of incidents of HIV/AIDS. Long-time HIV/AIDS activist Rae Lewis-Thornton said, "We put ourselves at risk, yet we do not perceive that we are putting ourselves in that position." Even with insight, many have come to think of HIV as a virus not unlike influenza - it is common, it can kill; but you can live with it.
In addition to those who refuse to get tested, many get tested too late. Despite the many advances, some will have AIDS. CDC statistics show approximately one-fourth of HIV-infected persons are believed to be unaware of their infection, underscoring expansion opportunities for HIV testing.
By the time symptoms arise or infections occur, their immune systems have suffered substantial damage. Regular screenings seem to have serious implications for pregnant women as there is an alarming increase of children being born HIV positive. The importance of regular and early testing is imperative.
The heart-wrenching statistics of the prevalence of HIV demand action - not just by the government, but by everyone. Prevention and treatment efforts must be accelerated, which will require an increase in federal funding of successful prevention programs; awareness of the increase in the HIV/AIDS incidents; and lastly, a cultural change in how HIV/AIDS is viewed. Unlike the flu, there are no HIV/AIDS vaccines.