Posted on: Monday, December 1, 2008
AIDS Day in Hawaii puts focus on crisis
Hawai'i joins communities all over the globe today in observance of World AIDS Day.
World AIDS Day supports global efforts to address the AIDS crisis, which continues to spread throughout the world.
"World AIDS Day is the only international day of coordinated action to address the HIV epidemic," said Nancy Kern, HIV/STD prevention coordinator for the state Department of Health. "It is an opportunity for residents of Hawai'i to learn how the epidemic affects not only people living in countries abroad hit hardest by this disease, but also how our friends, neighbors and co-workers right here in Hawai'i are impacted."
In many parts of the world, HIV remains a highly stigmatized condition.
The following are current data that reflect the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Hawai'i:
It is estimated that there are 2,300 to 3,200 individuals in Hawai'i who are HIV positive.
Since 1983, there have been 3,011 reported cases of AIDS in Hawai'i (as of Dec. 31, 2007).
A total of 82 new AIDS cases were reported last year (2007). Of these AIDS cases, 87 percent were among men.
Hawai'i has a relatively low rate of reported AIDS cases among injection drug users (7 percent). This is due in part to the statewide needle exchange program, which has been in operation since 1990.
In the United States:
Approximately 55,000 new infections occur in the U.S. each year.
An estimated 1 million people are living with HIV/AIDS in the U.S.; an estimated 250,000 of these individuals are unaware that they are infected.
Seventy percent of new infections occur among men, although women are significantly affected.
There are more people living with AIDS in the U.S. than ever before. At the end of 2006, an estimated 973,000 people were living with AIDS, the fifth leading cause of death among people 25 to 44 in the United States. These data reflect an increasing need for continued HIV prevention services, as well as treatment and care.
Internationally:
An estimated 33 million people are living with HIV /AIDS around the world.
An estimated 2.7 million people became newly infected with HIV in 2007.
During 2007, AIDS caused the deaths of an estimated 2 million people.
Women are becoming increasingly affected by HIV. Approximately 50 percent, or 16.5 million of the 33 million adults living with HIV or AIDS worldwide, are women.
AIDS DAY EVENTS
The following events have been planned:
On O'ahu a World AIDS Day event will be held at the Parish at St. Clement at 1515 Wilder Ave. from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The event will feature a performance by the Honolulu Men's Chorus and Puna Men's Chorus, the presentation of the Suzanne-Richmond Crum Award and the presentation of awards for the World AIDS Day Youth Leadership Challenge.
"Living Positive in Hawaii," a photo documentary by Glory Guerpo, will be on display from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the parish hall.
The winning entries of the World AIDS Day Youth Leadership Challenge will also be on display from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Life Foundation partnered with the state Department of Education to sponsor a statewide contest among middle and high school students. Students were invited to express their opinions in answer to the question: "How will you be a leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS?" in their chosen form of expression — art, media, poetry or essay.
For more information, visit www.worldaidsdayhawaii.org.
BIG ISLAND ACTIVITIES
On the Big Island:
AIDS Memorial Quilt: A panel of the AIDS Memorial Quilt will be on display in the Palace Theater lobby in Hilo from today until Sunday.
"Faces of AIDS" Photo Documentary: The Island premiere of the "Faces of AIDS" photo documentary will be on display in the Palace Theater lobby from tomorrow until Friday.
World AIDS Day Concert: A benefit for AIDS services in Hawai'i will feature The Honolulu Men's Chorus, Puna Men's Chorus, and guest performers on Friday at Palace Theater. Concert starts at 7 p.m. There will be a memorial service free to the public beginning at 5 pm.
