On Dec. 1, Hawaii, along with millions of people around the world, will observe World AIDS Day. Established by the World Health Organization in 1988, it offers people everywhere a time to unite in the fight against the epidemic, show support for people living with HIV, and commemorate those lost to AIDS-related illness.

We celebrate the progress that has been made over 30 years and recognize the challenges ahead. This is a critical moment because we see the possibility of making Hawaii a state free of HIV infections, but know it will take commitment from government leaders, health providers, community partners and others to accomplish that goal. We must not miss this opportunity to end the AIDS epidemic in Hawaii.

Gov. David Ige has declared Dec. 1 “World AIDS Day in Hawai‘i” and Mayor Kirk Caldwell has issued a similar proclamation. The theme of this year’s events in Honolulu is “H20” (Hawaii to Zero), a campaign to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the state. The goal of an AIDS-free generation is the vision of the University of Hawaii’s John A. Burns School of Medicine Hawaii Center for AIDS. Dr. Cecilia Shikuma, the center’s director, will receive the annual Suzanne Richmond-Crum Award from the Department of Health for her more than 25 years of “outstanding contributions in providing HIV/AIDS services in Hawaii.”

The campaign to reach the Hawaii to Zero goal has three key objectives:

>> Zero new HIV infections.

>> Zero deaths from HIV- related illness.

>> Zero HIV-related stigma.

Thrity years ago, AIDS was often a death sentence. Life expectancy after diagnosis was short, and far too many did not survive. There were no effective treatments, and little could be done except to comfort those who were ill and support their loved ones. Prevention options were limited, and many people did not know their HIV status.

The development of highly effective biomedical interventions for testing, prevention and treatment of HIV mean that many fewer people are now lost to the disease. There is no cure or vaccine, but the goal of Hawaii to Zero is now possible.

Today’s rapid HIV tests can reveal HIV status in 30 minutes. For those living with HIV, the treatments are now so effective they can suppress the HIV virus and make it undetectable in their blood. Undetectable virus means the HIV is untransmittable to others. This is a powerful prevention message for those living with HIV and the community. The same medications can be used as a Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and taken by persons who are HIV-negative to significantly reduce their risk of acquiring the virus. This is an effective prevention tool for those who are most at risk of HIV acquisition.

Nearly 5,000 persons have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in Hawaii since the start of the epidemic, and there are nearly 2,500 now living with HIV here. Most get medical care promptly after diagnosis and over 73 percent have achieved HIV viral suppression. These are encouraging numbers, but we can and must do better.

Nearly 500 persons living with HIV throughout Hawaii are not receiving HIV medical care. Our medical providers, public health agencies and community service providers must work collaboratively to assist these individuals with a full range of services to re-engage in HIV care.

Social factors such as stigma, discrimination, homelessness, behavioral health and substance use create barriers to successful HIV prevention, testing and treatment. These barriers need to be overcome while assuring access to comprehensive health insurance to end the HIV epidemic.

We now have the opportunity to focus on action to end HIV in Hawaii. With our collective support for access to the best of testing, prevention and treatment, we can start to see a generation without AIDS. Together we can envision getting “Hawaii to Zero.”

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Testing for HIV:

For free, confidential HIV testing:

>> Diamond Head Health Center, STD/HIV Clinic: 3627 Kilauea Avenue, #305; phone (808) 733-9281

>> Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center: 677 Ala Moana Blvd., #226; phone (808) 521-2437

About World AIDS Day:

See worldaidsdayhawaii.org or call (808) 521-2437