DPH Offers Free STD/HIV Testing in Observance of World AIDS Day

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Dec. 1, 2024 

COLUMBIA, S.C. – In observance of World AIDS Day on Dec. 1, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) will offer free testing at most local health departments on Tuesday, Dec. 3. South Carolinians can be tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and hepatitis C at no cost. 

Information about the no-cost testing on Dec. 3, including how to schedule an appointment, is available by calling DPH’S S.C. HIV/STD Hotline at 1-800-322-AIDS (1-800-322-2437) or visiting DPH's website at dph.sc.gov/WAD. 

This is the 44th year of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. World AIDS Day is observed each year on Dec. 1 and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV, and remember those who have died. Started in 1988, World AIDS Day was the first-ever global health day. 

"Every county in the state has residents living with HIV, but many South Carolinians remain unaware of their HIV status because they have not been tested recently," said Ali Mansaray, director of DPH's STD, HIV and Viral Hepatitis Section. “The CDC estimates that 16 percent of the more than 20,000 South Carolinians living with HIV do not know their status. 

“Undiagnosed people risk transmitting HIV, so we must work together to find and link these fellow South Carolinians to health care for their sake and the sake of our communities.” 

As of December 2022, there were 20,016 residents of South Carolina living with a diagnosis of HIV, including AIDS. Between 2021-2022, 1,530 people in South Carolina were newly diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. Of these, a large portion – approximately 37% – were young people aged 20-29. 

“We now have all the tools necessary to end the HIV epidemic, such as powerful and highly effective medications to prevent and treat HIV,” Mansaray said. “Unfortunately, what still eludes us is how to eliminate stigma rooted in our attitudes, beliefs and behaviors regarding the virus and those affected by it.” 

Another vital component to ending the HIV epidemic is ensuring all people living with HIV are continuously receiving medical care and treatment. DPH estimates there are approximately 4,300 presumptively not-in-care clients in South Carolina. To address this, DPH has implemented the Data to Care program, which offers assistance and support to those living with HIV and helps bring them back into care and stay in treatment. 

Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) is a medical treatment for HIV that involves the use of a combination of medications. It can be taken as a pill or shot. These medications work together to stop the virus from multiplying in the body. 

The benefits of ART include reducing the amount of HIV to undetectable in the body and reducing the risk of transmitting the virus the others. Proper use of ART improves the quality of life for people with HIV and contributes to public health by lowering the likelihood of HIV transmission. 

On Monday, Dec. 2, DPH, Ending the Epidemics SC, PALSS, and other partners invite the community to participate in the World AIDS Day 2024 events at the South Carolina State House, North Grounds. There will be an AIDS Walk Rally at 11 a.m. and the One World ONE FIGHT Observance Program at 5:55 p.m.  

For more information about World AIDS Day events and local HIV testing sites, call DPH's S.C. HIV/STD Hotline at 1-800-322-AIDS (1-800-322-2437) or visit DPH's website at dph.sc.gov/WAD. 

For more information about STDs and locations that provide screenings throughout the year, call DPH’s HIV/STD Hotline at 1-800-322-AIDS (1-800-322-2437) or visit DPH’s website at dph.sc.gov/stdhiv. 

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