2023 THEME
Mobilize to Thrive: Prioritizing Quality of Life.
June 5 is HIV Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day. First observed in 2014, it’s a day to honor long-term survivors of HIV and raise awareness about their needs, issues, and journeys.
The selection of June 5 for this annual observance coincides with the anniversary of the first official reporting of what became known as the AIDS epidemic on June 5, 1981. When the CDC first reported on five cases of a mysterious disease affecting young gay men. June 5, 1981 is considered the start of the AIDS pandemic.
Today, HIV Long-Term Survivors (HLTS) represent a diverse group of people diagnosed with HIV before the advent of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy or HAART in 1996. They make up about 25% of all people living with HIV and AIDS. 3.8 million people are living with HIV in the World. That makes roughly about 5,000,000 long-term survivors, defined as individuals who acquired HIV before 1996 and the introduction of HAART.
The theme "Mobilize to Thrive: Prioritizing Quality of Life" highlights the significance of empowering long-term HIV survivors to lead fulfilling lives that prioritize their well-being. Here are a few key points that this theme emphasizes:
1. Mobilization: HIV Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day encourages mobilizing efforts to ensure the voices and needs of long-term HIV survivors are heard. This can involve advocacy work, community outreach, and engaging with policymakers and healthcare providers to address the unique challenges faced by this population.
2. Thriving: The focus on thriving emphasizes the importance of holistic well-being for long-term HIV survivors. It encompasses not just physical health, but also mental, emotional, and social well-being. Thriving involves providing access to comprehensive care and support services that address the long-term effects of living with HIV.
3. Quality of Life: Prioritizing quality of life entails recognizing and addressing the specific needs of long-term survivors. This includes managing the physical and psychological aspects of HIV, as well as addressing comorbidities, aging-related concerns, and long-term medication side effects. It also involves promoting social support networks, reducing stigma, and fostering a sense of community.
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