Crowd marching for HIV awareness
On the eve of the 31st annual AVOL Lexington AIDS Walk in Lexington, the community is preparing to take a stand against a disease that has left an indelible mark on global health. The event presents an opportunity not only to remember those who have lost their battles with the disease but also to commemorate remarkable scientific strides in HIV prevention and treatment.
Anthony Smallwood, a prominent community engagement manager at AVOL Kentucky, offered insights on how the nature of the walk has evolved since its inception in 1993. “The event used to be quite somber. Now, it has become more celebratory,” shares Smallwood. “We continue to honor those who were unable to overcome their fight with HIV, but the mood is generally more upbeat. We celebrate life and lay emphasis on enhancing it by eliminating the stigma associated with HIV.”
Reflecting on the forthcoming event emphasizes the substantial progress made in combatting HIV. The most recent data from the CDC reveals a positive trend, with fewer people contracting HIV each year. Specifically, there has been a significant 12% decrease in HIV diagnoses in the U.S. from 2017 to 2021.
Jon Parker, executive director at AVOL, hailed the crucial role early detection plays alongside advancements in treatment options, citing these as significant factors in enhancing the life quality and survival rates of those living with HIV. Topping the list of pivotal medical advances are prevention drugs such as PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), which has a proven efficacy in preventing HIV transmission.
“We’re making strides in containing the virus within patients’ bodies, significantly reducing the chances of it spreading to others,” Parker stated.
The AVOL Lexington AIDS Walk, slated for this weekend, is open to everyone, offering an inclusive platform for the public to unify under the banner of HIV awareness. On Sunday, April 28, attendees will gather at the Stephens Courthouse Plaza in Lexington. Festivities kick off at 1 p.m. with entertainment, leading up to a 2-mile walk kicking off at 2 p.m.
Participation in the AIDS Walk offers an avenue for individuals, families, and communities to demonstrate their support for those affected by HIV/AIDS and to express their commitment to overcoming the disease.
While the AVOL Lexington AIDS Walk reflects a somber memory of lives lost, it also shines a light on the resolve of a community determined to overcome HIV/AIDS through improved prevention, treatment, and the tireless pursuit of a cure. It celebrates not only the lives of those living with HIV but also the incredible medical and scientific progress championed by organizations like AVOL.
In the face of shared danger and stigma, these pioneering efforts bring renewed hope, aiming to ensure that a diagnosis of HIV no longer equates to a death sentence but a manageable condition. As the pandemic of HIV/AIDS continues to threaten global health, the focus turns toward sustaining these advances and committing greater resources to turning the tide against this devastating disease once and for all.
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