In December, the Network Celebrates…
HIV/AIDS Awareness Disability Awareness Influenza Vaccination Human Rights
The best science, stories, and strategies related to this month’s national health themes. Check back throughout the month for new additions.
HIV/AIDS Awareness
According to HIV.gov, approximately 1.2 million people in the U.S. have the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV. About 13% of them don’t know it and need testing. Nearly 13,000 with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), or the most advanced stage of HIV infection, die each year. Read on for patient and testing resources, stories, and statistics.
- Action Alert! Friday Dec. 1 is World AIDS Day – Every year on December 1st, the world unites to commemorate World AIDS Day. This annual event serves as a reminder of the global struggle to end HIV-related stigma, an opportunity to honor those we have lost, and a rallying cry to continue working toward a day when HIV is no longer a public health threat. Learn more about how to observe over at HIV.gov.
- HIV/AIDS 2023 Global Report – New report from UNAIDS shows that AIDS can be ended by 2030 and outlines the path to get there.
- HIV/AIDS Statistics US 2023 – The latest on disease burden by population, symptoms, and impact from HIV.gov.
- HIV/AIDS Services Locator – Get tested, find services, and preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to protect against transmission.
- The Latest on HIV/AIDS Treatment– Treatment has evolved leaps and bounds from even just a few years ago, and more and more people are living long lives with undetectable viral loads.
- Patient Resources for HIV/AIDS – Whether you’ve just been diagnosed or have been living with HIV for years, helpstopthevirus.com has valuable information in both English and Spanish.
- HIV/AIDS Stories
Further Reading - News and Recent Articles
Disability Awareness
According to the WHO, an estimated 1.3 billion people – or 16% of the global population – experience a significant disability today. This number is growing because of an increase in noncommunicable diseases and people living longer. Read on for the best disability health information, organizations working on improving quality of life, and the latest assistive technology.
- Action Alert! Sunday Dec. 3 is International Day of Persons with Disabilities – The observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. Learn more about how to observe here.
- Health Information for Women with Disabilities – Women with disabilities need access to the same general health care as women without disabilities, and they may also need additional care to address their specific needs. Get women-specific tools and health information for women with disabilities over at the CDC.
- National Disability Organizations and Resources Directory – Stanford put together a list of nearly 100 national organizations doing disability work based on their condition and population focus.
- Inspiring Women with Disabilities Who Made History – Senator Tammy Duckworth is a double-amputee. Jillian Mercado is one of the first-ever signed models with a physical disability. Learn more about them and other women here.
- 10 Life-Changing Technologies for People with Disabilities – One device helps people talk through only eye movement. Another allows movement through motorized exoskeleton technology. Learn about the cutting edge of disability assistive tech.
- 16 Influential Women with Disabilities on Social Media – One woman chronicled what it was like to be pregnant in a wheelchair. Another talks about what it’s like to live with cerebral palsy as a Black woman. Learn, like, and follow!
Further Reading - News and Recent Articles
Influenza Vaccination
The CDC estimates that between October 1 and November 18, 2023, alone, there have been up to 2.6 million cases of influenza, AKA the flu, and 2,200 deaths from the flu in the U.S. Learn more about flu incidence, symptoms, prevention, and treatment this season below.
- Action Alert! December 4 – 8 is National Influenza Vaccination Week – Observe by getting vaccinated yourself and encouraging friends and loved ones to get vaccinated. Search for flu vaccine locations near you here.
- This Year’s Flu Vaccine Features and FAQs – If you’re a provider or simply curious, this deep dive gives a great overview of the vaccine supply, how it’s produced, and what strains it protects against.
- History and Evolution of the Flu: From the biggest Flu pandemic in 1918 to today, learn how the disease and our response to it has evolved.
- Flu Basics – What is the flu? How do you know you might have it? What treatments are available? How can you reduce your risk of contracting the flu? The CDC answers all these questions and more.
- Flu Treatments in 2023 – There are prescription medications [influenza (flu) antiviral drugs] that can be used to treat flu illness. To help prevent serious flu-related complications, including hospitalization and death, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends prompt treatment for individuals who have flu or suspected flu and who are at higher risk of serious flu complications.
Further Reading - News and Recent Articles
Human Rights
Human Rights are defined by the United Nations as the rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status. International human rights law lays down the obligations of governments to act in certain ways or refrain from certain acts in order to promote and protect human rights.
- Action Alert! Sunday December 10 is International Human Rights Day – 2023’s Theme is Freedom, Equality, and Justice for All. Learn how to observe here.
- Do You Know Your Rights? Read the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Today – The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) holds the Guinness World Record as the most translated document. Yet, far too many people are still unaware of their basic rights as human beings. Read them or watch a video brief in your native language today.
- Human Rights Action Resources – Do you want to get more involved in promoting human rights around the world (or even in just your corner of the world?) Check out the UN’s action resource page for tips on how to move the needle.
- Gender Equality, Women’s Rights, and Human Rights Connections – Gender-based discrimination is prohibited under almost every human rights treaty. Despite much progress made in securing women’s rights globally, millions of women and girls continue to experience discrimination and violence, being denied of their equality, dignity and autonomy, and even a life. Learn more here.
- Inspiring Stories About Human Rights – Human Rights Watch collected several stories from around the globe last year that still inspire today.