Health Department commemorates World AIDS Day; endorses Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U) message
The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) will be participating in two commemorations this week related to World AIDS Day, a day of remembrance of those lost to the HIV epidemic. The following events, sponsored by partner organizations in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, will bring together communities impacted by HIV and share information about new strategies for HIV care and prevention:
- Albuquerque Candlelight Vigil
Thursday, December 5th at the Old Town Plaza gazebo, 7:00 to 8:00 pm
Sponsored by Truman Health Services at the University of New Mexico (UNM)
- Santa Fe Candlelight Vigil and Commemoration
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, guest speaker
Saturday, December 7th
at Casa España courtyard, 321 West San Francisco Street, 4:30 to 6:00 pm
Sponsored by Southwest CARE Center
“The events not only commemorate those lost, they’re also a chance to look forward and promote scientific advances that can help achieve an end to this pandemic,” said Department of Health Cabinet Secretary Kathy Kunkel.
The NMDOH supports and has endorsed the “Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U)” messaging promoted by federal agencies and the international Prevention Access Campaign. People who take their anti-HIV medications consistently achieve a level of HIV virus in their blood that is too low to be detected by lab tests. Scientific studies have shown patients who achieve this “undetectable viral load” cannot pass the virus to others through sexual contact.
The NMDOH recognizes the strong scientific proof behind this message and campaign and is increasing efforts to promote this information across our state. A full list of the 952 government and private agencies from 99 countries that have endorsed this campaign can be found on the Prevention Access Campaign site.
“We hope this important endorsement can encourage everyone living with HIV to stay engaged in medical care to keep their viral loads undetectable,” said Department Health HIV, STD and Hepatitis Section Manager Andrew Gans, MPH. “Understanding that these individuals can't transmit the virus can help us end HIV-related stigma.”
For more information about HIV/AIDS prevention, care and services, visit HIV Services Program page of our website or the searchable resource guide at the NM HIV Guide site.
Media Contact
We would be happy to provide additional information about this press release. Simply contact David Morgan at 575-528-5197 (Office) or 575-649-0754 (Mobile) with your questions.
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