DIFFA pledges continued support in reflection of World AIDS Day 

December 1st marks the 29th annual World AIDS Day, an opportunity to raise awareness, show support and remember those lost to AIDS. This global health day was declared at the height of the epidemic—a time when AIDS cases had increased by 56% worldwide and more than 27,000 people had died of AIDS-related causes. Since then, significant improvements to treatment, prevention, and care has helped reduce the rates of infection. Global efforts to eliminate the disease have been implemented including the National HIV/AIDS Strategy to end AIDS in the U.S by 2020.

DIFFA pledges to help carry out this strategy through our continued support for hundreds of organizations nationwide working with those living with HIV to create an AIDS-free generation. With just three years away from the target goal, there has been great progress towards ending AIDS in the U.S. People with HIV are living longer, healthier lives and more people are getting tested and treated at earlier stages. In 2014, 49% of people living with HIV/AIDS were virally suppressed and 62% received some form of medical care.

However, while significant progress was made to decrease new diagnoses and mortality rates, there is still much work to be done:
• 1.1 million people are living with HIV today, 1 in 7 of them are unaware of their status
• In 2014, more than 37,000 people in the U.S were infected with HIV
• HIV/AIDS is still a leading cause of death here in the United States and across the world
• Many people living with HIV do not have access to care, and treatment, and there is still no cure

This World AIDS Day, join us in pledging your support; help us meet our goal to end AIDS. Get tested, get treated and contribute to the efforts of so many others to fight HIV/AIDS across the nation. Visit www.diffa.org/donate to make a difference.

Cindy Allen
DIFFA Board Chair