KDHE Home - News 1999 - News Release
Kansas
Department of Health & Environment
Bill Graves, Governor
Clyde D. Graeber, Secretary
For Immediate Release
Contact: Sharon Watson, 785-296-1529
State Recognizes World AIDS Day
The 12th annual World AIDS Day will be observed on Dec. 1. This year's theme is "AIDS -- End the Silence. Listen, Learn, Live!" The event is designed to promote awareness of the prevalence of HIV/AIDS and to increase communication about the disease.
"We want to encourage people to get tested for HIV, especially if they think they might be at risk," said Karl Milhon, director of the Kansas AIDS Program. "Early detection is key to effective treatment."
In Kansas, the number of deaths from AIDS has declined from 168 in 1995 to 31 in 1998. From 1996 to 1997, deaths declined 46% in one year (122 in 1996 vs. 66 in 1997). This dramatic drop is due to the introduction of new drugs in 1996 that have had a major impact on new diagnosis of AIDS and on reducing AIDS-related deaths. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates there are between 200,000 and 250,000 Americans that are unaware they are infected with HIV. CDC also estimates that approximately 40,000 Americans each year are becoming infected. As of June, 2,126 Kansans have been diagnosed with AIDS. Newly implemented confidential HIV reporting will allow the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) to better determine the impact of HIV infection over the next few years.
According to CDC, more individuals are living longer and better lives as a result of the new medications. Once tested, however, it is essential the infected persons must adopt safer behaviors and have access to a comprehensive care services system.
In Kansas, the Ryan White program in conjunction with others are designed to prevent the spread of HIV. For more information on AIDS prevention, counseling, and care services, contact the KDHE AIDS Section at 785-296-6173 or www.kdheks.gov/hiv/.
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