Columbia Commemorates World AIDS Day with Community Gathering and Hope for the Future

Columbia Commemorates World AIDS Day with Hope and Remembrance

Columbia, S.C. — On a chilly Monday evening, the steps of the South Carolina statehouse came alive with a spirit of remembrance and optimism as members of the community gathered to recognize World AIDS Day. This event brought together researchers, activists, and HIV survivors, all united in their mission to acknowledge the past while looking forward to a promising future.

A Moment for Reflection

The ceremony served as a heartfelt reminder of those who have lost their lives to HIV and AIDS—the figures are staggering and still resonate today. According to the Center for Disease Control, an estimated 32 million people have died globally from AIDS-related illnesses, a haunting number that underscores the ongoing battle against this virus.

Leading the event was Carmen Julious, CEO of PALSS, Inc., the Palmetto AIDS Life Support Services group. Julious emphasized the achievements made in healthcare for individuals living with HIV. “We’ve made such great gains in medical care for persons with HIV,” she shared passionately. “More importantly, we’ve seen a boost in the number of individuals who know their HIV status empowering them to seek early care.” This early detection is crucial for curtailing the virus’s spread, especially in South Carolina, where a staggering 16% of residents living with HIV are unaware of their status.

Addressing the Epidemic

The urgency of the situation is further illustrated by the CDC’s findings, which reveal that the southern United States accounted for nearly half of all new HIV infections in 2022. In light of this, the South Carolina Department of Public Health’s Tony Price, who manages the Prevention Unit for STD, HIV, and Viral Hepatitis, announced free screenings across the state to encourage testing.

“Tomorrow, we’ll be marking World AIDS Day with free HIV testing at most of our local health departments throughout the state,” Price said, adding that free STD and hepatitis-C tests would also be available, making it easier for individuals to get tested and know their status.

The Hopeful Future Ahead

The overarching goal among advocates and experts alike is to see HIV and AIDS eradicated—much like how polio and smallpox are no longer common threats. “We’re very hopeful that we can end the epidemic, reduce or eliminate new HIV infections around the country, specifically here in the Midlands,” Julious expressed, inspired by the advancements in medical science.

An exciting development that has many buzzing is the potential for an HIV vaccine that might soon be on the horizon. Recently, Gilead released a report detailing their new product, Sunlenca, which has shown remarkable effectiveness—reportedly 100% in preventing HIV among women with just two injections a year. The results indicate that this vaccine also performs nearly as well for men. This breakthrough bolsters the notion that HIV and AIDS no longer need to be seen as a death sentence.

Join the Movement

As the event closed, attendees left with a mix of somber reflection and newfound hope. The fight against HIV is ongoing, and everyone plays a crucial role—whether through awareness, testing, or supporting those living with the virus. Together, the collective spirit in Columbia embodies a future where, one day, we might look back and remember not just the losses but also the triumphs over HIV and AIDS.

So, whether you’re getting tested, educating yourself and others, or simply showing support, remember—the fight continues, and every effort counts!