Washington State Department of Health

Date: June 08, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(06-085)
Contact: John Peppert, Director for the Office of Infectious Disease, 360-236-3427
Jeff Smith, Communications Office, 360-236-4072


25th anniversary of AIDS fight shows progress but we still have far to go
Education and prevention remain best tools

OLYMPIA -- After more than two decades of grappling with the devastating effects of AIDS, the Washington State Department of Health has found that prevention and education have been instrumental in reducing the spread of the disease. However, despite our success, 35 to 55 cases of infection are diagnosed each month here.

This month marks the 25th anniversary of the first cases of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) being reported nationally. The first case of AIDS in Washington wasn't diagnosed until 1982 in King County. In1984 AIDS became a reportable illness here, making it easier to track the number of cases statewide. Through May 2006, 15,734 people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or AIDS have been reported - more than 6,000 people have died.

"AIDS has taken a tragic toll on our families, communities and health care system," said Secretary of Health Mary Selecky. "Washington's choice to move quickly and compassionately in the mid 80s helped to bring some control over the spread of the disease."

Washington is a leader in programs to help people access care and obtain medications to manage HIV disease. Early intervention can reduce the risk transmission of HIV to uninfected persons. The program helps 2,136 people obtain their medications, significantly extending and improving their lives.

One of the most remarkable successes of this program is a reduction in the cases of maternal to infant HIV transmission. Only three cases have been reported to date - for births between 2000 and 2005. By contrast, for infants born between 1990 and 1995, 35 cases were reported to have acquired HIV from their mothers.

The state began providing federal funds to local health agencies in 1985 for HIV testing. A year later, the legislature gave the first state monies for education and prevention. In 1987, as concern over the spread of the disease grew, Governor Booth Gardner created a Governor's Task Force on AIDS. This task force, which still continues its work, helped produce the AIDS Omnibus legislation in 1988 that guides the state's policies on HIV and the structure for the delivery of prevention services.

Today, the state's health department provides funding to local health agencies and community-based organizations to provide access to HIV counseling and testing, education to people at risk, and harm-reduction materials such as condoms and syringes.  In 2005, 24,378 people received HIV testing through these programs.

"These numbers show that investments in AIDS and HIV education, treatment and prevention have saved lives," Selecky said. "Until a cure or vaccine is found, we must continue our outreach with these potent tools."