As World AIDS Day Approaches, State Estimates 135,000 Floridians have HIV/AIDS

With Wednesday designated as World AIDS Day, the Florida Department of Health stressed the importance of the federal HIV/AIDS strategy which looks to reduce the number of people infected with HIV and create greater access to health care for people with HIV

World AIDS Day provides an opportunity to remember those we have lost and to reaffirm our commitment to addressing high rates of HIV in Florida, said Tom Liberti, of the state Bureau of HIV/AIDS. Far too many Floridians are becoming infected with HIV, a preventable disease that changes the lives of those infected as well as their families, friends, and community.

Libertis office notes that approximately 135,000 Floridians have HIV or AIDS but that almost 20 percent are unaware of being infected.