AIDS Walk Delaware to kick off Peace Week Delaware Sept. 21

AIDS Walk Delaware will take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 21, at The Grove Park in Rehoboth Beach. This year the walk takes place on International Peace Day.

UNAIDS data shows that the number of people worldwide living with HIV has risen, but the number of new HIV infections has fallen, as have numbers of those dying from the illness. This is attributed mainly to pre-exposure prophylaxis, known as PrEP, which can drastically reduce the risk of contracting the virus if one has access to it.

Good news continues to come, but innovative treatments aren’t typically available for the people most vulnerable to the virus, nor even immediately available to those with means. Even PrEP, which is taken by 300,000 people worldwide, 130,000 of whom are in the U.S., isn’t universally accessible.

This is why AIDS Walk Delaware is so important. The event supports prevention and awareness, and also supports the needs of people who’ve been living with compromised health for a long time. It supports people who have just learned they are HIV-positive, people who love someone who is HIV-positive, and people who aren’t reached by even the best and broadest prevention efforts. Delaware’s AIDS service organizations exist to serve this population.

Participants who donate $30 or more will receive a  Peace Day T-shirt. Peace Day attire is recommended. 

For more information, to register or donate, go to www.AIDSWalkDelaware.org.