President Barack Obama took part in the fight against the HIV/AIDs epidemic by releasing an official statement regarding National HIV Testing Day today.
The president cited the emergence of HIV as an epidemic, stating that about 600,000 Americans have died at the hands of the virus.
However, on a more positive note, the commander-in-chief also acknowledged the medical strives that have been taken in regards to medications and prevention of HIV.
The Obama administration has actively participated in finding ways to address this epidemic in the United States. Last year, it released a National HIV/AIDS Strategy, which focused on reducing the number of new infections, increasing access to care, and reducing HIV health-related disparities.
President Obama stated that he and his administration believed that this strategy was released during "a time of important scientific advances to help protect the health of people with HIV and prevent further transmission."
Still, according to the president’s statement, one in five Americans living with HIV don’t know they have it, which is why it is so important for people to know their HIV status.
"All of us have a responsibility to ourselves and those around us to know our status and reduce our risk," stated the President. "So on this National HIV Testing Day and every day, I encourage every American to join the fight against HIV/AIDS and get tested."
— Shaniqua A. Thompson
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