World AIDS Day, observed this year on Dec 1, 2019, was the first ever global health day, held for the first time in 1988.
Since that time, it has become one of the most recognized international health days and is a chance to unite against HIV, show support for people living with HIV and to commemorate those who have died.
Show your support by wearing a red ribbon.
Red ribbons will be distributed at Greenwich Town Hall on Monday, December 2, 2019 from 8:00 – 10:00am.
The theme for 2019 is “Communities Make a Difference.”
According to the World Health Organization, there were an estimated 37.9 million people living with HIV/AIDS worldwide at the end of 2018. Also that year, 770,00 people died of HIV-related illnesses and 1.7 million were newly infected with the virus.
Since the HIV virus was identified in 1984, more than 35 million people have died of AIDS, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.
Important scientific advances continue to be made in HIV testing and treatment. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in 2017, 38,739 people were reported to have been diagnosed with HIV infection in the United States and estimated 1.1 million people are currently living with HIV.
The CDC recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested at least once, as part of routine health care. For those with specific risk factors, CDC recommends getting tested at least once a year. The Greenwich Department of Health’s Office of Special Clinical Services offers walk-in testing for HIV and other sexually-transmitted diseases on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00 to 5:00.
HIV testing at other times is by appointment. For more information or to schedule an appointment please call (203) 622-6460.