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Today is National HIV Testing Day

The WOMAN Challenge Newsletter - Special Edition!
June 27, 2008

Today, women account for more than one quarter of all new HIV/AIDS diagnoses. Many women do not know that they are HIV-infected because they have never been tested. The only sure way to know if you have HIV is to get tested.

In this issue...

• The National HIV Testing Mobilization Campaign
  
  
• Learn More about How HIV/AIDS Affects Women of All Ages
  • Ages 9–17
  • Ages 18–39
  • Ages 40–49
  • Ages 50–64
  • Ages 65 and up
    
    
• Learn More about National HIV Testing Day

The National HIV Testing Mobilization Campaign

The National HIV Testing Mobilization Campaign is encouraging all sexually active Americans to get tested for HIV. Take control of your health and your life. Get tested for HIV. Find HIV testing facilities in your area by visiting http://www.hivtest.org or http://www.aids.gov/takecontrol.

Learn More about How HIV/AIDS Affects Women of All Ages

Ages 9–17

Did you know that globally, approximately half of all people living with HIV are female? In fact, in 2006, nearly 18 million women worldwide 15 years of age or older were living with HIV—an increase of more than a million in just two years. If new HIV infections continue at their current rate worldwide, women with HIV may soon outnumber men with HIV. Learn more about how HIV and AIDS affect women and girls worldwide.

Ages 18–39

HIV/AIDS is taking an increasing toll on women, particularly young women who may be more likely to engage in high-risk behaviors, such as having unprotected sex with multiple partners. Currently, up to 25% of all people infected with HIV don't know it. Talk to your doctor if you have never been tested for HIV, or if you had your last test some time ago. Treatment now can save your life, and you can take steps to protect your partner from the disease.

Ages 40–49

HIV/AIDS is taking an increasing toll on women. In fact, AIDS is now second only to cancer and heart disease as a leading cause of death for women. While the impact of this epidemic on women can be devastating, many women with HIV/AIDS are now living longer and healthier lives thanks to new treatments. However, women can't get treatment if they don't know if they are infected with HIV. Currently, up to 25% of all people infected with HIV don't know it. Talk to your doctor if you have never been tested for HIV, or if you had your last test some time ago. Treatment now can save your life, and you can take steps to protect your partner from the disease.

Ages 50–64

Many older women have not been tested for HIV because they do not perceive themselves to be at risk. However, approximately 15 percent of new HIV diagnoses are among Americans over age 50. While the impact of this epidemic on women can be devastating, many women with HIV/AIDS are now living longer and healthier lives thanks to new treatments. However, women can't get treatment if they don't know if they are infected with HIV. Currently, up to 25% of all people infected with HIV don't know it. Talk to your doctor about HIV testing. Treatment now can save your life, and you can take steps to protect your partner from the disease.

Ages 65 and up

Many older women have not been tested for HIV because they do not perceive themselves to be at risk. However, approximately 15 percent of new HIV diagnoses are among Americans over age 50. While the impact of this epidemic on women can be devastating, many women with HIV/AIDS are now living longer and healthier lives thanks to new treatments. However, women can't get treatment if they don't know if they are infected with HIV. Currently, up to 25% of all people infected with HIV don't know it. Talk to your doctor about HIV testing. Treatment now can save your life, and you can take steps to protect your partner from the disease.

Learn More about National HIV Testing Day

• National HIV Testing Day – An estimated 250,000 people in the United States have HIV and are not aware of it. National HIV Testing Day is an opportunity for people nationwide to learn their HIV status, and to gain knowledge to take control of their health and their lives.
• Take Control of Your Health and Your Life – The National HIV Testing Mobilization Campaign is a nationwide effort to promote HIV testing.
• CDC National HIV and STD Testing Resources – Find a testing site near you as well and answers to frequently asked questions about HIV and STD testing.

Content last updated June 27, 2008.