Getting tested for HIV remains an important part of preventing the spread of HIV, both in the United States and worldwide. People who know they are HIV infected can fully benefit from available life-saving treatments. They can also take steps to protect their partners and protect their community. Being tested for HIV also is important since unrecognized HIV infections account for more than half of all new sexually transmitted HIV infections each year.
In the United States: CDC recommends that adults and adolescents between the ages of 13– 64 years be routinely screened for HIV infection in all healthcare settings. Pregnant women in the US should be screened for HIV infection as part of the routine panel of prenatal tests. To find a HIV testing site center near you, visit HIVtest.org or, on your cell phone, text your zip code to Know It – 566948.
Around the World: For World AIDS Day, CDC is releasing a critical new HIV testing and counseling tool, the Couples HIV Counseling and Testing (CHCT) Intervention and Training Curriculum. For more information, visit the CDC.gov Global AIDS feature.
Whether you lead a large company, work as a health professional, or attend high school, you can join CDC and its partners in supporting World AIDS Day and working to end the HIV/AIDS pandemic, both here in the United States and around the world.
Individuals can:
• Become a volunteer for a local HIV/AIDS organization
• Confront stigma, racism and other forms of discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS
• Get tested for HIV
• Make a personal commitment to protect their partners and encourage others to do the same
Organizations are encouraged to:
• Promote World AIDS Day in their own organization by using promotional materials available at www.hivtest.org
• Support employees and volunteers to get involved in World AIDS Day activities
• Develop HIV/AIDS policies for their workplaces
• Educate staff/workers about HIV/AIDS