Columbia Hosts Inspiring Gathering for World AIDS Day, Highlighting Hope and Progress in HIV Awareness

COLUMBIA, S.C. – An Inspiring Evening for World AIDS Day

On Monday evening, the steps of the South Carolina Statehouse served as a poignant backdrop for a powerful gathering. Researchers, activists, and HIV survivors came together with community members to mark World AIDS Day. While commemorating the lives lost to HIV and AIDS, the event also shone a light on hope for the future. With experts optimistic about the possibility of eradicating the virus, attendees left feeling inspired and empowered.

A Moment to Reflect and Rejoice

The ceremony was organized by PALSS, Inc., the Palmetto AIDS Life Support Services group, which warmly welcomed the public for an event filled with stories, speeches, and solidarity. Carmen Julious, the CEO of PALSS, emphasized that the focus was not just on the past but also on the strides being made in the fight against HIV. “We’ve made such great gains in medical care for persons with HIV, but more importantly, we’ve made great gains in the number of people who know their HIV status, so that they can get into care early,” she explained.

The Importance of Early Detection

Early detection of HIV is crucial, especially in South Carolina. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a staggering 16% of South Carolinians living with HIV are unaware of their status. This lack of awareness poses a significant risk as untreated individuals may unknowingly transmit the virus to others. Alarmingly, the southern portion of the United States accounted for almost half of all new HIV infections in 2022, showcasing the urgent need for increased awareness and testing.

Accessible Testing for All

In a bid to make testing more accessible, Tony Price, the Prevention Unit Manager for STD, HIV, and Viral Hepatitis with the South Carolina Department of Public Health, announced that free HIV testing would be available statewide to honor World AIDS Day. “On Tuesday, the Department of Public Health will be recognizing World AIDS Day with free HIV testing at most of our local health departments throughout the state. Free STD and hepatitis-C testing will also be offered,” Price said, reinforcing the message that proactive measures can save lives.

Taking Control of Health

Julious passionately noted that knowing one’s HIV status empowers individuals to take charge of their health. Available treatments can help control the virus, which not only improves the quality of life for those who are diagnosed but also minimizes the risk of transmission. The ultimate hope? To witness the demise of HIV and AIDS—similar to polio and smallpox. “We’re very hopeful that we can end the epidemic, reduce or eliminate new HIV infections around the country, and particularly here in the Midlands,” Julious expressed

Vaccination Advancements Offer Hope

Hope is further ignited by emerging advances in preventative measures. Recently, drug manufacturer Gilead announced that their Sunlenca product has shown a remarkable 100% effectiveness rate in preventing HIV in women with just two injections a year. Furthermore, results from recent trials indicated that these injections exhibited similar efficacy in men. This groundbreaking advancement could change the landscape of HIV prevention.

A Brighter Tomorrow

As the evening wore on, those in attendance left feeling a mix of remembrance and renewed energy towards the fight against HIV. The atmosphere was thick with hope—hope that the grim narrative of HIV and AIDS as a death sentence is fading away. The evening concluded with a sense of collaboration, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to reduce stigma and promote health.

In Columbia and beyond, the conversation surrounding HIV is evolving, and with it comes the promise of a healthier future.