Still a Long Ways to Go

Why is it important to keep talking, to keep riding, to keep funding and to keep supporting the cause? Here's a portion from the words of an AIDS LifeCycle writer. We still have a LONG ways to go!!

From "The Ribbon On His Shoulder: Perceptions on AIDS in America Today"
By: Dale Cooper

"More than 30 years into the epidemic, one-third of Americans (34%) still harbor at least one misconception about HIV transmission:

- 1 in 4 people do not know that HIV cannot be transmitted through sharing a drinking glass.
- 16% of people think touching a toilet seat can spread HIV.
- 12% of people think swimming in a pool with someone who is HIV positive could infect them with the virus.

All those perceptions are remnants of an AIDS stigma, spurred by misinformation and phobia, that continue to exert a powerful sway over the American public. People who harbor these misconceptions about HIV transmission are more likely to say they would be uncomfortable working with someone with HIV: 43%, compared with 13% of those who know that HIV cannot be transmitted in these ways.

Additionally:
- Almost half (47%) do not know that a pregnant woman with HIV can take drugs to reduce the risk of her baby being born infected.
- About one in five (19%) are unaware that there is no cure for AIDS.
- 12% do not know that there are drug treatment options that can lengthen the lives of people with HIV.
- About a quarter mistakenly believe (or are unsure whether) Magic Johnson has been cured of AIDS (27%).
- 1 in 10 believe that there is currently a vaccine available to keep people from becoming infected."

Source for statistics:
Kaiser Family Foundation, "2011 Survey of Americans on HIV/AIDS: Summary of Findings on the Domestic Epidemic." Published April 2011.

To read the full story: http://experience.aidslifecycle.org/story/dale-cooper/ribbon-his-shoulder-perceptions-aids-america-today