Let’s Get to Zero in Minnesota by 2025 — December 1, 2014
World AIDS Day has been held every year since 1988. It marks one of the most gripping health epidemics in human history. It is a moment in time when we pause to recognize our collective work and shared progress in the fight against HIV. It is a day when we stand in solidarity with people who are living with and affected by HIV, and a time when we commemorate those who have lost the fight. It is a day that reminds us that the fight is not over.
As we enter the fourth decade in the fight against HIV and AIDS, I believe we are closer than ever to winning. HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is 100% preventable.
However, it is key that we support our government’s call to action, Getting to Zero, to put an end to HIV/AIDS. By working together, knowing and sharing prevention messages, and encouraging everyone to know their HIV status, we can achieve an AIDS-free generation.
Today, I ask you to join us in support of getting Minnesota to a zero infection state by 2025. Our collective voice is more important than ever to push back and dispel the stubborn and ever-persistent myths, misperceptions and stigma that create the walls and conditions that drive HIV infections in Minnesota and across the U.S.
We can end the epidemic as we know it in Minnesota. But, we can’t do it alone. It will require the voices of people living with HIV, our fellow HIV service providers, community members and others to encourage our public officials to think big and to do what it takes to achieve this ambitious, but realistic vision for our state.
World AIDS Day is an opportunity to begin this conversation. It is a day to remind the public and our elected officials that HIV has not gone away. We need to spread awareness on old and new prevention tools such as condoms and PrEP, and ensure that all people can access their right to quality health care and treatment that is respectful and compassionate.
Over the next several months we hope to begin a community-wide conversation about ending HIV in Minnesota and developing a strategic framework that will guide us towards a common vision of Getting to Zero by 2025.
It is clear that much has already been achieved over the last three decades. It is also clear that there still remains much to do. It is for this reason, Worlds AIDS Day represents an important opportunity to reflect on progress and consider our next steps.
IN MEMORIAM
Today, on World AIDS Day, we honor the strength, courage, and endurance of all people living with HIV/AIDS. At Clare Housing we remember all those who are no longer with us. In particular, we remember those who passed in the last year:
Roberto
Sam
Everett
Tyrone
Joseph
Bob