Alexandria Health Department (AHD) invites the community to recognize World AIDS Day this Sunday, December 1.

World AIDS Day is honored globally to remember those who have been lost due to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and to celebrate progress being made for people living with HIV/AIDS or at risk of future infection.

Over 35 million people have died of HIV and AIDS-related illness worldwide, including members of the Alexandria community. Anyone can be infected with HIV, but due to systemic racism and barriers to care, HIV disproportionately impacts people who identify as Black, non-Hispanic or Hispanic in Alexandria and the U.S.

However, around the world, progress is being made against HIV and AIDS. As access to treatment has improved, people with AIDS have lived longer, healthier lives. 

Further, people around the world take steps every day to prevent future HIV infections by educating themselves on HIV and AIDS, practicing safe sex, and receiving pre-exposure prophylaxis, also known as PrEP.  Additionally, through medical treatment, people with HIV can lower the amount of HIV in their body so much that it cannot be passed on to others through sex.

The best way for an individual to help fight HIV and AIDS and take charge of their own health is by getting tested for HIV. Affordable, confidential HIV testing is available for all people in Alexandria. For a list of local testing options, visit AHD's HIV Testing webpage.

To learn more about HIV and AIDS in Alexandria, visit the Alexandria Commission on HIV/AIDS website.

If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available to you, please email LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.3960.