Statement by Dr. KEVIN FENTON, Director OF CDC'S National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, TB Prevention
On National HIV Testing Day at events across the United States, thousands of Americans will obtain a potentially life-extending piece of information: their HIV test result. Whether they test positive or negative, all of them will be taking an important step in protecting their health and the health of their loved ones and advance our nation's fight against the spread of HIV.
Of the more than 1 million Americans now estimated to be living with HIV, one-quarter do not realize they are infected. As a result, they do not receive medical care that could help them live longer, fuller lives. And without knowing it, they may also be transmitting HIV to others. CDC estimates that the majority of sexually transmitted HIV infections are transmitted by people who are unaware of their infection.
