On December 1, citizens in Multnomah County and across the globe will join together to recognize World AIDS Day. Today, approximately 33.3 million people are living with HIV worldwide, including 2.5 million children. In 2009, 2.6 million people contracted the virus and 1.8 million died of AIDS.
World AIDS Day, now in its 22nd year, serves to increase awareness, fight prejudice, and support those affected by the virus, globally and locally. Over 4,600 Oregonians are living with HIV/AIDS; 76 percent of this group lives in the Portland metro area. The county's Morrison Bridge will be lit with red lights the evening of December 1 in honor of World AIDS Day.
Approximately 300 people are newly diagnosed with HIV in Oregon each year; 40 percent of these individuals progress to AIDS within the first year because they delayed getting tested for the disease.
The theme for World AIDS Day 2010, “Universal Access and Human Rights”, highlights the disparities in access to HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment that exist around the world—including in Multnomah County, where HIV/AIDS disproportionately affects certain groups such as African-Americans, African immigrants, and men who have sex with men.
The Multnomah County Health Department is working to eliminate these disparities through its Health Equity Initiative. The department also offers a variety of HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment services.
Dozens of events will take place on December 1 to commemorate World AIDS Day in Multnomah County, including Cascade AIDS Project’s annual Red Ribbon Party and a memorial walk and vigil. For more information and a full calendar of community events, please visit World AIDS Day NW.