Randy Davis’ Post

December 1 marks World AIDS Day. Some quick stats: 🚩 HIV was first identified more than 40 years ago. 📢 1.3 million people still acquire HIV annually, and more than 600,000 lose their lives to AIDS-related causes. The burden of HIV remains inequitably distributed and disproportionately impacts LMICs as well as marginalized communities — including men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, sex workers, and adolescent girls and young women. The theme of #WorldAIDSDay2024, “Take the rights path: My health, my right,” speaks to the need to continue pursuing equity in the global HIV response by advocating for human rights and against stigmatization. In recognition of this, IAVI and our partners pursue a global access agenda centered on ensuring the products we are developing will reach all people who need them. We remain resolute in our commitment to advance ambitious HIV prevention research, which holds much promise for the future. Read more about IAVI's World AIDS Day 2024 reflections and activities ⭐ https://lnkd.in/et3Bp3TV #HIV #WAD2024 #UniteToReachAll #TaketheRightsPath 

Today is National Asian & Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Although HIV rates are relatively low among API individuals compared to other racial and ethnic groups, the repercussion of HIV/AIDS in API communities still warrants attention. Stereotypes about API being the “model minority” contribute to their invisibility in strategies to address HIV domestically, and the impact of HIV/AIDS on these communities is often overlooked. The rate of viral suppression among Asian people in the U.S. (68%), is still higher than the national average (65%). For NAPIHAAD, we're hoping to help reduce HIV stigma in Asian, Native Hawaiian, & Pacific Islander communities while breaking down barriers to accessing care. Check out this resource hub to learn how we can all do more to support this community: https://lnkd.in/gF8arUrc

JUNE 5th is HIV Long-Term SURVIVORS DAY. Honoring the resilience and the courage of those who have lived with HIV for many years. They've navigated decades of challenges, from the stigma of the early epidemic to the complex health issues that come with aging with HIV - they're truly an embodiment of perseverance and an unwavering will to live fully. Today also highlights the progress made in HIV treatment and care, shifting HIV from a fatal diagnosis to a manageable chronic condition, and is meant to bring attention to the unique health challenges that HIV+ aging individuals face. Today is an advocation for continued research, resources, and compassionate, specialized care for people living and aging with HIV. HIV Long-Term Survivors Day is a celebration of life and community, honoring the individuals that have contributed to the fight against HIV/AIDS. By sharing their stories and learning more about how to care for community members aging with HIV we combat stigma, promote compassion, and can work toward making sure that every long-term survivor of HIV receives the recognition and care that they deserve. #HLTSD #hivlongtermsuvivor #hivlongtermsurvivorsday #hivlongtermsurvivorawarenessday #survivor #longterm #hiv #hivaids #FREE #gettested #knowyourstatus #sexualhealth #aidsepidemic #hivepidemic Executive Director YOSACA.

JUNE 5th is HIV Long-Term SURVIVORS DAY. Honoring the resilience and the courage of those who have lived with HIV for many years. They've navigated decades of challenges, from the stigma of the early epidemic to the complex health issues that come with aging with HIV - they're truly an embodiment of perseverance and an unwavering will to live fully. Today also highlights the progress made in HIV treatment and care, shifting HIV from a fatal diagnosis to a manageable chronic condition, and is meant to bring attention to the unique health challenges that HIV+ aging individuals face. Today is an advocation for continued research, resources, and compassionate, specialized care for people living and aging with HIV. HIV Long-Term Survivors Day is a celebration of life and community, honoring the individuals that have contributed to the fight against HIV/AIDS. By sharing their stories and learning more about how to care for community members aging with HIV we combat stigma, promote compassion, and can work toward making sure that every long-term survivor of HIV receives the recognition and care that they deserve. #HLTSD #hivlongtermsuvivor #hivlongtermsurvivorsday #hivlongtermsurvivorawarenessday #survivor #longterm #hiv #hivaids #FREE #gettested #knowyourstatus #sexualhealth #aidsepidemic #hivepidemic Executive Director YOSACA.

This #WorldAIDSDay, let’s talk about the powerful connection between Gender-based violence (GBV) and HIV/AIDS. Did you know that women who experience violence are significantly more vulnerable to HIV? 📊 The stats from UNAIDS tell a compelling story: 1. Women who experience GBV are 1.5 times more likely to get HIV. 2. People living with HIV face high levels of violence fueled by stigma and discrimination. GBV goes beyond human rights violations. It's one of the major drivers of the HIV epidemic. Survivors of GBV often lack the power to negotiate safe practices, face trauma that prevents them from seeking help, and experience stigma that limits access to vital HIV services. Ending GBV can be a game-changer. ✅ It empowers women to protect themselves and seek care. ✅ It reduces HIV transmission and the stigma that fuels it. ✅ It ensures better access to prevention and treatment services, helping us move closer to ending the HIV epidemic. With global efforts led by organizations like UNAIDS and PEPFAR, we have the tools to create a world where less than 10% of women, girls, and people living with HIV experience violence and inequality. But ending GBV and breaking the cycle only begins with our collective action, instead of waiting for others to act. Real changes start with YOU. #16DaysOfActivism #EndGBV

Living Positively with HIV: Breaking the Stigma. "Today and every day, let's shine a light on the resilience and strength of individuals living with HIV! Living with HIV doesn't define your worth or potential. You are more than your diagnosis! Key to Living Positively: 1. Adhere to treatment and maintain an undetectable viral load. 2. Prioritize mental health and self-care. 3. Surround yourself with supportive loved ones. 4. Stay informed and empowered about your health. 5. Break the stigma by sharing your story. Remember: - HIV is manageable. - HIV is not a death sentence. - HIV doesn't discriminate. - HIV affects anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. You’re not alone!

Breaking the Barriers: Stigma and HIV Did you know that stigma remains one of the greatest barriers to achieving zero new HIV infections? For many, stigma prevents access to essential services like testing, treatment, and support. It fuels misinformation, isolates individuals, and limits progress in our collective fight against HIV. Yet, we know that a stigma-free world is possible, one where every person regardless of their status, can thrive. At the Person-Centered HIV Research Team, we are committed to dismantling stigma and aiding acceptance through research, advocacy, and education. But we can’t do it alone, change requires collective action. So, we want to hear from you: What actions can individuals, communities, or organizations take to reduce HIV-related stigma? How can we build an environment where people feel empowered to seek help without fear of judgment? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Together, let’s create a world where everyone can live with dignity and without fear. Let’s make progress, one conversation at a time. #HIVAwareness #StigmaFree #PersonCenteredCare #HIVResearch

🌍 Understanding the HIV/AIDS Journey This image vividly illustrates the progression from HIV to AIDS over time if left untreated. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of early testing, awareness, and the availability of life-saving antiretroviral treatments (ART). 💡 Did you know? With timely treatment, people living with HIV can lead long, healthy lives and prevent progression to AIDS. This highlights the critical role of education, accessible healthcare, and reducing stigma surrounding HIV. 💬 Let’s Talk: How can we, as a global community, ensure equitable access to HIV treatments? What steps can we take to raise awareness and eliminate stigma? 💪 Together, we can make a difference. Share your thoughts, and let’s work towards a world with zero new HIV infections. 🔗 For more information, visit HIVinfo.NIH.gov. #HIVAIDS #HealthAwareness #GlobalHealth #PublicHealth

🌍 World HIV/AIDS Day 2024: Busting Myths, Fighting Stigma, Saving Lives! 💪 Today, we unite to honor those affected by HIV, celebrate progress, and recommit to ending stigma. Too many myths still fuel fear and misunderstanding about HIV, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. It’s time to set the record straight! 🚫 Myth: HIV is a death sentence. ✅ Truth: With treatment, people with HIV can live long, healthy lives! 🚫 Myth: You can get HIV through touch. ✅ Truth: HIV does NOT spread through hugs, handshakes, or sharing utensils. 🚫 Myth: Traditional medicine can cure HIV. ✅ Truth: ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) is the ONLY effective treatment. 🚫 Myth: HIV-positive people can’t have healthy families. ✅ Truth: With proper care, they can have HIV-negative partners and children. ✨ Let’s break down barriers and replace myths with facts. Every share can educate someone and save lives! Together, we can: Encourage regular testing 🩺 Promote antiretroviral therapy 💊 Fight stigma and discrimination 🛑 💬 Share your thoughts: What other myths about HIV do you think need debunking? Let’s talk and learn together! #WorldAIDSDay2024 #EndStigma #HIVFactsNotFear #HopeNotHate

The “I Can Give U” campaign is a public awareness initiative designed to promote the U=U (undetectable equals untransmittable) message and combat HIV stigma. The focus is on educating the public about U=U, the fact that people living with HIV who maintain an undetectable viral load cannot transmit the virus to others through sexual contact. This is critical for dispelling long-standing fears and misconceptions. The “I Can Give U” campaign is centered around the idea of challenging what people living with HIV can give to society beyond the virus itself. The name “I Can Give U” highlights the positive contributions, love, health, and safety that people living with HIV can offer when their viral load is undetectable. The campaign aims to reshape the narrative surrounding HIV by focusing on empowerment and education rather than fear and exclusion. The “I Can Give U” campaign is about changing perceptions, reducing stigma, and fostering a deeper understanding of HIV and U=U. It emphasizes the potential of people living with HIV to contribute positively to society and dismantles outdated fears about transmission. The campaign promotes a message of empowerment, inclusivity, and public health awareness. #iCanGiveU #UequalsU #iCantGiveUHIV #ZeroRisk #SayZero #CommunitiesFirst #ScienceNotStigma #FactsNotFear #ItEndsWithUs @icangiveu_campaign