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Josephs marks World AIDS Day to bring attention to how far we've come, how far we still need to go

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 5 – State Rep. Babette Josephs, D-Phila., participated in Philadelphia's World AIDS Day event last week to commemorate those who have lost their lives to AIDS, celebrate those living with HIV and AIDS, and educate about the disease, including prevention, testing and the need to find a cure.

"World AIDS Day is about getting involved," Josephs said. "It's about how everyone can make a difference in the global fight against HIV and AIDS.

"We must do what we can to end this epidemic. There is still no cure, but we can stop its spread, and we can improve the length and quality of life of those who already have HIV or AIDS."

Josephs has a long history of AIDS activism starting in 1988 when she obtained the first significant state funding for HIV counseling and prevention; her Confidentiality of HIV-related Information Act passed the legislature in 1990.

World AIDS Day was first observed in 1988 as the conclusion to a unique London summit of health ministers who recognized that a united global effort was needed to halt the spread of HIV and AIDS.

Since then, each year the day is dedicated to drawing attention to the social, medical and economic toll of HIV and AIDS, and to offering strategies for prevention, care and support of those affected.

Among those who participated in the Philadelphia event was Wayne Hamilton, president of the Sapphire Fund, a volunteer organization that supports the efforts of organizations contributing to the health and well-being of Philadelphia's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered community and those who support them.

"At a time when funding is so desperately needed, Sapphire Fund exists to support the efforts of Philadelphia's LGBTQ and, more broadly, its HIV/AIDS communities," Hamilton said. "We do this through financial grants, education, events and outreach. Sapphire Fund is particularly proud to have co-sponsored Philadelphia's World AIDS Day commemoration as one of our many efforts. Hopefully, this event reminds us all that HIV/AIDS crisis is far from over. HIV/AIDS knows no gender, age, race, ethnicity or sexual orientation. It impacts our entire community."

AIDS has claimed more than 25 million lives worldwide, and it's estimated that another 40 million are living with HIV or AIDS. In the United States, someone becomes infected with HIV ever 13 seconds.

"These sobering statistics demonstrate there is a great deal still to do," Josephs said.