World AIDS Day observed at G.C. Pre Council meeting

Ever since 1988, World AIDS Day has been observed.

“Today is World Aids Day,” City of Glen Cove Mayor Tim Tenke said at the City of Glen Cove Pre-Council meeting. “Thirty-two years ago today in 1988 was when World Aids Day began and approximately, according to the World Health Organization, more than 30 million people have passed away since this epidemic began.”

The National Institute of Health on Dec. 1 in a statement said that World AIDS Day is a time to reflect on the progress that has been made against HIV, as well as the considerable challenges that remain.

“We now have highly effective HIV treatment and prevention methods and work is underway to address the remaining challenges in delivering these those to people who need them most, as well as to develop new interventions,” the statement read. “The National Institute of Health continues to advance rigorous, innovative research to prevent new HIV transmissions and to improve the health of people with HIV world wide.”

World AIDS Day this year takes on a new meaning with the Covid-19 crisis. 

“This year the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic is creating great concern and uncertainty for people everywhere, including those affected by HIV,” the statement read. “Notably, lessons we learned from involving affected communities in HIV research planning and implementation are informing our response to this new pandemic.”

This year, the NIH awarded approximately $10 million to support implementation science research to advance the goals of the Ending the HIV Epidemic: A plan for America initiative, which aims to reduce new HIV diagnoses in the United States by at least 90 percent by 2030.

“By joining our nation and the world community in recognizing the day, we commemorate the lives lost, celebrate progress achieved and strengthen our resolve to eradicate the disease from our planet,” said City of Glen Cove Councilman Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews.