OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON - The Washington Department of Health recently confirmed the 10,000th case of AIDS in the state. It's an unfortunate milestone that points out both the progress made and the work yet to be done in the fight against this disease. "The spread of HIV/AIDS leveled off for a while, but the disease appears to be on the rise again, and there are more people living with HIV today in Washington than ever before," said State Health Officer, Dr. Maxine Hayes.
Thanks to research that has provided new treatment and medication options, many people diagnosed with HIV/AIDS are living longer, healthier lives. Many other things, though, have not changed much since 1982.
"Twenty years ago when the first person in Washington was diagnosed with AIDS, the cause was unknown and there was no treatment, death was certain, and there was a stigma attached to the disease," said Dr. Hayes. "In 2002, we know the cause, and people with AIDS are living longer. But many of those fears are still with us, and so is the stigma."
King County has been on the front lines in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and education since the state's first case was diagnosed there in 1982.
"King County has felt the brunt of this disease," said Dr. Bob Wood, Director for the HIV/AIDS Control Program for Public Health - Seattle & King County. "Although we're only about a third of the state's population, we have diagnosed over two-thirds of the state's AIDS cases."
Underscoring the problem locally, earlier gains in prevention are now being met with changing attitudes toward the disease. "Replacing the fear of yesteryear, we have a frightening complacency," added Dr. Wood. "Locally, sexually transmitted disease rates are rising, possibly even HIV rates as well, likely due in part to increases in unsafe sexual practices among at-risk groups. Meanwhile, public and private resources for local intervention activities continue to decline."
Secretary of Health Mary Selecky recently directed a study group to examine the state's HIV/AIDS prevention system. The group is finalizing its report, which includes an assessment of activities that have been successful and a set of recommendations to strengthen prevention efforts. Among those recommendations: continued use and enhancement of the regional HIV/AIDS prevention and care service system; provide comprehensive sex education to children, particularly through their school-based educators, that includes honest, candid information about HIV; direct resources and intensive intervention programs toward populations and communities at highest risk of infection.
"While new treatments have improved the length and quality of life for people with AIDS, we still have much more to do. This disease takes a terrible toll on those who are infected, as well as their friends and families. We will continue to work hard to prevent the spread of HIV and provide assistance to people who test positive," said Secretary Selecky.
Providing effective and innovative health and disease prevention services for over 1.8 million residents and visitors of King County, Public Health – Seattle & King County works for safer and healthier communities for everyone, every day. |
