In 1981, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported cases of gay men with rare forms of pneumonia and cancer.



Today, more than 40 million people worldwide are infected with the disease we have come to know as AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). In Maine, approximately 1,500 to 1,600 are estimated to be living with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection or AIDS.



As we mark the 25th anniversary of AIDS in America, it is important to remember the history of the epidemic while looking toward the future. AIDS has been one of the most controversial and divisive epidemics in the history of the United States.



From day one of the epidemic, people have been polarized in their views. Early on, it was widely believed that people infected with HIV somehow deserved to be infected.



Other people felt quite the opposite and worked to show that AIDS can happen to anyone.



The 1980s were a decade of great loss and tragedy for many. In some communities, people were attending more funerals than weddings.The gay community became the scapegoat for those looking for someone to blame for the epidemic.



School-aged hemophiliacs Ryan White and Ricky Ray, who acquired AIDS through life-saving blood transfusions, were banned from public schools because fear of the disease coupled with ignorance prevailed over care and concern for sick children.



The 1980s also saw great advancements and celebration for those in the fight against HIV. Test development allowed for detection of the virus.



These tests also allowed for screening of the blood supply. Medications that helped improve the lives of those infected with HIV became available.



The NAMES Project created the AIDS Quilt, a visual reminder of those lost to the epidemic. To date, the quilt has approximately 40,000 panels memorializing the lives of more than 83,900 people who lost their fights with AIDS.



Medical advancements made through the 1990s continued to improve both the quality and quantity of life for those people living with the virus.



Medications have been available since 1987 and over the years, improvements in dosing schedules and the reduction of side effects have made treatments much more user-friendly.



Government support to defray the cost of medications became available in 1990 and continues to help provide life-saving medications for people living with AIDS.



Advancements in testing have made early detection of HIV a reality for many people. New HIV tests produce results in 20 minutes or less and do not require blood.



Early detection of HIV is essential in preventing the spread of HIV to others, as well as maintaining health by delaying the onset of AIDS.



Even with all of these advancements, the world still lacks compassion and understanding for those living with HIV and AIDS. People with HIV are still discriminated against they still have to be acutely aware of who knows their HIV status.



The struggle with the HIV is not limited to just the virus itself. Along with a lack of access to potentially life-saving medications, people with HIV also are challenged by a lack of access to social and emotional support.



As we celebrate World AIDS Day on December 1, we need to remember all who came before us and fought for people infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS.



We need to continue to work on advancing treatment, care and compassion for those living with HIV. We need to support educational programs that spread prevention messages as well as messages of compassion and understanding for those living with HIV.



You can do many things to show your support for the fight against HIV/AIDS.



Wear a red ribbon, the international symbol for AIDS. Educate yourself about HIV and if theres any question about your current health status, get tested.



Share information about HIV/AIDS with others, as education remains the greatest weapon in the fight against AIDS.



More information about AIDS can be found at the CDC’s website: http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/dhap.htm