HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS remains one of the most critical public health problems facing humankind. The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the World Health Organization (WHO) estimate that AIDS has killed more than 25 million people since it was first recognized in 1981. It is estimated that about 0.6 percent of the world's population is infected with HIV. In 2005 alone, AIDS claimed an estimated 2.4-3.3 million lives, of which more than 570,000 were children.

The HIV/AIDS Section sponsors a strong scientific program focusing on multiple aspects and perspectives of HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and treatment at the APHA Annual Meeting each year. We sponsor over 300 presentations. We also co-sponsor select sessions of other Sections, SPIGs, and Caucuses that are particularly relevant to the pandemic.

Besides the scientific program, we have multiple opportunities to learn about the Section, meet members, and become involved. We offer ongoing opportunities to network with public health colleagues, and we provide a forum for policy advocacy to shape HIV/AIDS-related research, prevention, care, and treatment. Now more than ever, we need to join in the cause as awareness and education efforts are limited, research and program funding is tightened, and general complacency puts HIV on the back burner.

As Chair of the Section, I encourage and welcome you to join the HIV/AIDS Section and become a member of our family. To join APHA and the HIV/AIDS Section click here. If you are already an APHA member and belong to another section, you can now join the HIV/AIDS Section as a second section for only $30. Contact Jessica Murray for details.

If I can do anything, feel free to contact me or other members of our leadership team directly.

Warmly,

Scott D. Rhodes, Ph.D., MPH, CHES

HIV/AIDS Section Chair