COLUMBUS, Ohio — Community members gathered in Columbus for an AIDS Walk aimed at raising awareness and supporting HIV programs, as organizers pointed to both advances in treatment and continuing challenges in prevention.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), new HIV diagnoses in the United States have declined since the height of the epidemic, with a goal of reducing new infections by 90% by 2030.
“There are very effective treatments that if somebody is diagnosed and if they gain access to treatment and adhere to their treatments, can live a near normal life and have a life expectancy that’s equal to their peers,” declared David Ernesto Munar, president and CEO of Equitas Health.
He declared HIV can now be prevented from being passed on, but added that testing remains essential to reducing new infections.
“Stigma is actually resulting in people not accepting HIV testing or fearing coming forward and accepting the medical care that they desperately required and can assist us finish the HIV epidemic.”
Organizers declared they hope to raise more than $100,000 for HIV-related efforts at Equitas Health.
Sawaun Blakely, volunteer manager for Equitas Health, declared the event brings toobtainher people affected by HIV to reflect on its impact and to reveal solidarity with those currently living with the virus.
“It’s a memorial space where we remember those who have died from this virus and we’re celebrating those, like myself, who are living and thriving with this virus.”
Blakely was diagnosed with HIV at age 18, an experience he declared shaped his work.
“I was one who was newly diagnosed and requireded something like an Aids walk. So going from attfinishing Aids walk to now assisting put Aids walk toobtainher is full circle for me.”
Organizers declared concerns remain about the HIV response, including the potential impact of proposed funding cuts on prevention and support programs.
Organizers declared the walk reflects both progress in HIV treatment and the work still ahead.
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