NATIONAL HIV VACCINE AWARENESS DAY
On May 18th, National HIV Vaccine Awareness Day annually recognizes thousands of volunteers, community members, health professionals, and scientists who work together to find a safe and effective HIV vaccine.
The day also promotes continued awareness and education concerning HIV vaccine research. Over 30 years have passed since HIV was identified as the cause of AIDS. However, researchers continue in their mission to develop a vaccine. While treatments and preventative measures exist to help those impacted by HIV and AIDS, a viable vaccine is still the only means to prevent its spread.
Around the world, 37.9 million people are living with HIV/AIDS. Additionally, the virus seems to spread the most in the poorest and most underprivileged communities in the world. They have the least access to educational information, preventative measures, and medical treatment.
This observance focuses on the continued need to develop a successful vaccine for HIV.