AIDS Awareness

Protection Begins with Education

  • What is AIDS?

  • Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a disease of the immune system caused by the human
    immunodificiency virus (HIV).

    • AIDS reduces the effectiveness of the immune system, leaving people open to infections and tumors.

    • HIV is transmitted through direct contact with an HIV-infected bodily fluid: blood, semen,
      presemenal fluid, vaginal fluid       or breast milk.

    • This transmission happens during vaginal or oral sex, blood transfusion, contaminated
      hypodermic needles, exchange between a mother and her child during pregnancy.

    • In 2007, statistics showed 33.2 million people lived with the disease worldwide,
      with 2.1 million deaths, including 330,000 children.

    • Although treatments for AIDS and HIV can slow the disease, there is no cure.

  • Protect Yourself = Prevent infection = Use a Condom.

    • The majority of HIV infections are acquired through unprotected sex between 2 people-one of whom has HIV.

    • The primary mode of HIV infection is sexual contact between members of the opposite sex.

    • During a sexual act, only male or female condoms can reduce the chances of infection with HIV

    • Using condoms reduces the risk of HIV transmission by approximately 80%

    • The male condom, if used correctly without oil-based lubricants, is the single most effective available technology to elimate HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

    • Manufacturers recommend that oil-based lubricants such as petroleum jelly* or butter, not be used with latex condoms, because they dissolve the latex.

    • If necessary, manufacturers recommend using water-based lubricants.**

    • The female condom is an alternative to the male condom

    • Studies suggest that, where female condoms are available, overall protected sexual acts increase making them an important HIV-prevention strategy.

    • Studies on couples where one partner is infected show that with consistent condom use, HIV infection rates for the uninfected partner are below 1% per year.

    • *unsafe lubricants:Vaseline, Baby Oil. In all cases, READ THE LABEL

    • **safe lubricants: Liquid Silk, Astroglide, Pjur, K-Y products, Sliquid, RepHresh, Wet

  • Get Tested. Piece of mind is priceless.

    Send a text with your zip code to "KNOWIT" (566948). Within seconds, you'll receive a text with an HIV testing site near you. This free service is through www.HIVtest.org.

  • World AIDS Day: Washington, D.C.

    DC Reaches Across the Aisle for AIDS Awareness!

  • Get HELP

  • Whitman-Walker Clinic

    wwc.org 202.745.7000

    By calling WWC for help, you will be scheduled to meet with a counselor who will help you to identify the programs and services you need, work with you to develop a plan of care that's right for you, and your family and loved ones.

    You will also be screened for eligibility in public benefits, such as Medicaid, Medicare or, if you are a DC resident, DC Healthcare Alliance.

  • Get TESTED

  • Max Robinson Center

    2301 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. SE Washington DC 20020

    202.745.7000 Hours: M-F 9-5

    Free anonymous and confidential HIV testing is available.

  • Get GOING!

  • Our Heroes: 2009 World AIDS Day Reception 12/1

    A collection of 150 striking black & white photos honoring the history of AIDS in Washington, DC. The Reception takes place Tuesday December 1st starting at 6:30 PM at the Center, 1111 14th St NW. Light refreshments will be served.

    -12/1. 8 p.m.
    Concert featuring Capitol Pride Symphonic Band and DC Swing! The Harman Center 610 F St. NW, Washington, DC VIP reception will follow.