Dec. 1 Marks World AIDS Day; Experts Available From College of Public HealthPosted Nov. 30, 2009
Dec. 1, 2009, is World AIDS Day, a day in which public health advocates and professionals focus the world’s attention on the global AIDS epidemic. According to the World Health Organization:
“There are now 33.4 million people living with HIV… An estimated 2.7 million were newly infected with the virus and 2 million died of AIDS [in 2008]. Sub-Saharan Africa remains the region most heavily affected by HIV [accounting] for 67 percent of HIV infections worldwide … 72 percent of the world’s AIDS-related deaths in 2008.”
“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately 1.1 million persons are living with HIV in the United States. In 2007, the estimated number of persons diagnosed with AIDS in the United States and dependent areas was 37,041.”
These statistics make it clear that HIV/AIDS remains a significant national and global public health problem.
Kent State University’s College of Public Health is uniquely qualified to assist in the worldwide effort to eliminate HIV/AIDS. Several of its faculty members focus their research on HIV/AIDS and related issues including substance abuse, violence, and health disparities. Students can also take courses that cover HIV/AIDS and other global health issues including “EXPR 40295: Introduction to Health Disparities” that is being offered in Spring 2010 (any junior or senior, regardless of major, can take EXPR 40295).
For more information on World AIDS Day and the College of Public Health, please contact Dr. Willie H. Oglesby at email@example.com or 330-474-9463.