National HIV Testing Day 2009

 

Because anyone can get HIV, CDC recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 be tested as a routine part of their medical care.  Men who have sex with men (MSM) especially should be tested for HIV annually.  Heterosexuals who engage in high-risk sexual practices and others that inject illegal drugs are also encouraged to get tested at least once a year.  CDC also recommends that pregnant women get tested within the early months of each pregnancy, as this will help eliminate the spread of HIV to infants.  

Early HIV diagnosis is critical, so people who are infected can fully benefit from available live-saving treatments and take steps to protect their partners.

Finding out whether you are infected with HIV is the first step to improving your health and the health of your partners and your family. The week of June 27 there will be thousands of organizations offering HIV testing and hosting special NHTD events. Make plans to get tested and encourage others to get tested as well with an e-Card.

Why Testing is Important

Every 9½ minutes another person in the United States becomes infected with HIV.

You should get tested so you can:

• Know whether or not you are infected with HIV; 
• Seek early medical care if you are infected;
• Protect yourself and others from HIV;
• Educate yourself and others about HIV.

Recently, CDC announced a new 5-year communication campaign, Act Against AIDS, which aims to combat complacency about the HIV crisis in the United States. The campaign highlights the alarming statistic that every 9½ minutes another person in the United States becomes infected with HIV.  The campaign also features targeted messages and outreach to the populations most severely affected by HIV.

For more information on Act Against AIDS, go to www.nineandahalfminutes.org.

HHS Secretary Sebelius recently recorded a message on the importance of HIV Testing. Click here to view the message.

All About National HIV Testing Day

Organized annually by the National Association of People with AIDS* (NAPWA), with support from CDC, this year marks the 16th Annual NHTD. The theme of the campaign – "Take the Test. Take Control" – highlights the need for HIV testing.

NAPWA and other NHTD organizers reach out to communities at increased risk of HIV infection, especially African American and Latino populations. HIV exacts a devastating toll on African Americans, who account for almost half of new HIV diagnoses (49% in 2006) but only approximately 13% of the population in those 33 states with well-established confidential name-based HIV reporting. Latinos are also hard hit, accounting for nearly 20% of new HIV diagnoses (18% in 2006) but only approximately 13% of population in those 33 states with well-established confidential name-based HIV reporting.

More Information

• Basic HIV Information
  Learn about HIV/AIDS, how it is and is not transmitted, the risk factors for HIV transmission, preventing transmission and the symptoms of HIV infection.
• National HIV Testing Database
  Find an HIV test site near you from the National HIV Testing Database, a CDC-sponsored service available 24 hours a day.
• CDC HIV/AIDS
  CDC's Web site for HIV/AIDS in the United States.
• CDC HIV/AIDS Topic: Testing
  Overview and resources on HIV testing from CDC, including rapid tests, testing in healthcare settings, and more.
• LGBT Health
  Key information related to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender health