Many well-documented and successful strategies have been employed in the U.S. and throughout the world to address the devastating expansion of the AIDS epidemic. Nevertheless, the cost in lives and lost productivity remains a staggering problem. HIV/AIDS affects people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds, worldwide and in the United States. In Florida, HIV/AIDS is the third leading cause of death among women between the ages of 25 and 44, and the sixth leading cause of death in men in that age group.

As healthcare workers, we can encourage practices that are known to reduce the spread of AIDS, including use of antiretroviral therapy, behavioral change, access to quicker testing, prompt treatment of sexually transmitted disease, use of clean injectable drug equipment, routine HIV testing, patient education and counseling, and consistent condom use. The goal is to eliminate new HIV-infections entirely in Florida, and throughout the U.S. and the world. We all play a vital role in accomplishing this goal.

For Further Reading

Florida State Resources

Florida Department of Health HIV/AIDS

http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/aids/index.html

Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Florida State Program

http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/aids/patient-care/hopwa.html

Disease Reporting Information for Health Care and Laboratory Providers

http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/disease-reporting-and-management/index.html

National Resources

National HIV/AIDS Strategy 2022-2025

https://www.hiv.gov/federal-response/national-hiv-aids-strategy/national-hiv-aids-strategy-2022-2025

Office on Women’s Health: Violence Against Women and HIV Risk

https://www.womenshealth.gov/hiv-and-aids/women-and-hiv/violence-against-women-and-hiv-risk

HIV Testing Sites & Care Services Locator

https://www.hiv.gov/locator

Global Resources

Unequal, Unprepared, and Under Threat: Why Bold Action against Inequalities is Needed to End AIDS

https://www.unaids.org/en/resources/documents/2021/2021-World-AIDS-Day-report