Springfield flag lifting brings awareness for World AIDS Day – AOL

Springfield, Massachusetts (WWLP)-20 years ago, over two million people worldwide were killed by AIDS related diseases. Although there are many ways to combat the virus now, awareness is the first step.

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The countries of the world are celebrating World AIDS Day since 1988. The 37th anniversary celebrates a year of improvements in treatment and prevention. Helen Coalton-Haris, Commissioner for Health and Human Services in Springfield, told 22news that these improvements did not mean that the fight was over.

“It is crucial to remember that this pandemic is not above humans, they are still infected with HIV. It is important to train ourselves to advocate for services and to ensure that we are passing on the message of prevention of our children, “said Kroaton-Haris.

Springfield had one of the highest rates of AIDS in the country at one point, but now with measures to treat and prevent the disease is very viable. AIDS cases have decreased since the mid-2000s, with the infection rate declines due to widely available treatments and public awareness. John Marx with planned parenting emphasized the message of World AIDS Day.

“It is always important to raise that this is not a death sentence. That there is treatment. That there are so many options available and that the stigma around it is misconceptions and that we have gone so far, “Marx said.

The UN sets an end to end the AIDS pandemic by 2030, saying in a statement that “the termination of AIDS is not just a healthy question – it is a mandate for human rights.”

For more information on AIDS testing resources, click here.

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