Each year, America observes National HIV Testing Day on June 27, raising awareness about the importance of testing for HIV and getting an early diagnosis. Called NHTD in short, this day is crucial for encouraging people to increase HIV testing and know their status, and thus get the care they need to treat this illness.
History
The HIV virus itself was identified in the 19th century by French and American scientists. Dr. Robert Gallo co-discovered HIV as the cause of AIDS. This breakthrough meant companies could begin testing for antibodies produced in response to this virus and hopefully protect people from the effects of HIV. Initial tests conducted in this period were not to diagnose people with HIV or AIDS but to screen donated blood for a possible infection. As “TIME” magazine reported at the time, the fear of contaminated blood was running high, even though a very small fraction of people had contracted HIV through blood transfusions. The nature of these tests meant scientists and labs got a lot of false positives; medical uncertainty meant people did not know if the positive result meant people were infected, or if they had simply been exposed. A label on one of the early tests — which is in the Smithsonian Museum of American History, clearly states that it was not to be used as a test to screen for HIV or AIDS. The advance of HIV testing among the common public was marred by the stigma attached to the illness. These reasons turned the testing process on its head. New protocols were added, new experimental studies were conducted, and testing awareness drives were conducted.
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The future looks promising, however. An American called Timothy Ray Brown was the first person to ever be cured of HIV. Contracting the illness at university in the late nineties, he received a stem cell transplant ten years later, after being diagnosed with leukemia. Luckily for Timothy, his donor had a rare genetic mutation conferring resistance to HIV. Timothy remained HIV-free ever since. Scientists have been trying to replicate this success ever since, and are using this lesson to try and develop a broadly applicable cure.
In the late 19th century, dozens of scientists worked round-the-clock to create a revolutionary new HIV test that changed how this illness was diagnosed. Ten years later, the National Association of People With AIDS founded National HIV Testing Day to increase the number of people testing themselves for this illness. The program got off to a very successful start and has been running ever since.
Timeline of National HIV Testing Day
1984 (HIV is Identified) – A group of French and American scientists discovers that the HIV virus causes AIDS, and they successfully identify and isolate it in a lab.
March 2, 1985 (A New HIV Test is Here) – The Food and Drug Administration approves a new HIV drug, called an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or ELISA test.
April 1985 (“TIME” Report) – An article in “TIME” magazine reports fear of contaminated blood runs high, even as only 142 out of 9600 HIV-affected Americans got the illness from a blood transfusion.
1987 (A New Drug is Here) – The Food and Drug Administration approves the use of a new experimental drug called AZT that improves patients’ immune systems.
1995 (Our Day is Founded) – The National Association of People with AIDS creates a day to increase the number of people being tested for HIV.
2010 (A Silver Lining) – Timothy Ray Brown, who was previously known as the Berlin patient (and the only one to be cured of HIV four years before this), releases his name to the public.
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FAQs about National HIV Testing Day
When is National HIV Day?
Every year, on June 27 National HIV Testing Day is observed.
Is it possible to detect HIV in 20 days?
Within 18 to 45 days of exposure, an antibody test performed on blood obtained from a vein can detect HIV.
Is HIV the same as AIDS?
When clinically potential infections progress to the 3rd and final stage of HIV, only then is it referred to as AIDS. So, no, HIV is not the same as AIDS.
How To Observe National HIV Testing Day?
Stay in the know – In order to raise awareness among ourselves about HIV and AIDS, the National Association of People With AIDS and partner organizations distribute literature and content. This day also stimulates us to get more instructed about HIV testing and when it is proper, together with broader knowledge about this illness and how to handle it. Some information also concentrates on self-testing when outside visits are limited or not an option.
Promote HIV testing – To reduce the stigma and support HIV testing, try to do your part. As a part of routine health care get tested — this is something the CDC suggests for everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 — and promote HIV testing on your social media as well.
Participate in a clinical trial – Some clinical trials run by vaccine companies may be on the lookout for volunteers to run vaccine studies, if you are healthy and willing, you may participate. This clinical research can make significant steps toward developing new and effective treatments, and finding a cure for HIV and AIDS.
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5 Interesting Facts About HIV
1) A high global number – HIV is predominant worldwide, with nearly 38 million people affected by it.
2) United States numbers are substantial too – Data shows approximately 39,000 people are infected each year. About 1.1 million Americans are living with HIV.
3) People don’t know they are infected – Studies estimate approximately 14% of the people who live with HIV in the United States don’t know they have been infected.
4) Three is no vaccine to prevent HIV – Researchers have been working for over 20 years to develop an effective vaccine for HIV, yet they have been unsuccessful.
5) One person has been cured of HIV – Known as the “Berlin Patient,” Timothy Ray Brown, is the first and only person in the world to be cured of HIV.
Why National HIV Testing Day Is Significant?
It reduces the stigma associated with HIV – Striving to bring people into testing centers all over America, National HIV Testing Day normalizes this illness. Observing this day sensitizes all of us to this illness, allowing the stigma linked to HIV and AIDS to vanish slowly. Eventually, we see days and programs like these as a crucial resource in the fight against HIV and related disorders.
It empowers communities and the hardest-hit populations – By normalizing HIV testing, National HIV Testing Day empowers communities, partners on the ground, and healthcare providers. In consequence, this increased testing lets us prevent HIV among the hardest hit population and help the people already infected to stay healthy and optimistic.
It helps people manage HIV – National HIV Testing Day encourages testing for all the people with undiagnosed HIV, which is the first step toward managing this illness. More steps people can take towards maintaining a healthy life and reducing the spread of HIV when they test themselves earlier.
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