The Global theme for 2010 World AIDS Day continues to be 'Universal Access and Human Right' - chosen by the World AIDS Campaign (managed by UNAIDS). For the past 2 years the theme for World AIDS Day has been the same: to focus on and continue to challenge discriminating laws, stand united, and fight barriers that keep people from getting treatment, care, and access to HIV prevention.

New York City remains the epicenter of HIV/AIDS in the U.S. According to NYC DOHMH's statistics from 2005 to the end of June 2009, there has been an increase of 36% in the number of Asian & Pacific Islanders living with HIV/AID in New York City. As of June 30, 2009, there are 1582 Asian & Pacific Islanders living with HIV/ADIS in New York City. APIs communities continue to be affected by - stigma within the communities and lack of access to services that's culturally sensitive toward the needs of the communities.

Medications now enable people with HIV to live longer and healthier lives. But not all New Yorkers living with HIV are fully benefiting from antiretroviral treatment and supportive care. Each year, nearly 1,000 people in NYC don't find out they are HIV positive until they are already sick with AIDS.

People who start antiretroviral treatment when they are already sick with AIDS tend to have poorer health outcomes than those who start earlier. And people who don't know they have HIV may unknowingly spread the virus to others.

On this year World AIDS Day, we take the opportunity to raise awareness, commemorate those who have passed on, and celebrate victories such as increased access to treatment and prevention services.

CPC HIV/AIDS Services will continue our commitment and efforts to prevent the spread of HIV and improving the health and quality of life for HIV positive persons among APIs.

All of our services are free of charge and confidential. For more information, please contact CPC HIV/AIDS Services:

165 Eldridge Street
New York, N.Y. 10002
646-613-8420/8369
ww.hivcpc.org