'One Test Two Lives' Launched To Fight HIV/AIDS

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - On December 1, World AIDS Day, the Indiana State Department of Health's Division of HIV/STD partnered with Clarian Health, Riley Hospital for Children, the Indiana University School of Medicine, Midwest AIDS Training & Education Center, Health & Hospital Corporation, the Indiana Perinatal Network and IU National Center of Excellence in Women's Health, to launch a new campaign encouraging pregnant women to get tested for HIV.  The event was held today at the Indiana Statehouse North Atrium from 10:00 a.m. to Noon (EST).

Perinatal transmission is the most common route of HIV infection in children, and is now the source of almost all AIDS cases in children in the United States.  Since the beginning of the epidemic, an estimated 8,460 children in the US have been infected perinatally with HIV. 

State health officials say with appropriate intervention and therapy, only one to two percent of pregnant women with HIV will transmit the virus to their unborn children.  Testing is the ONLY way for a woman to know her HIV status.  One test can make a great difference in two lives.

"World AIDS Day is an important reminder that we are still affected by this disease," said Joan Duwve, M.D., medical director for Public Health and Preparedness at the State Health Department.  "The One Test Two Lives campaign is an effort to remind health care professionals and parents that one simple test can have life-saving benefits for both mother and child."

Dr. Duwve provided opening remarks at today's event at the Statehouse.  She was followed by the two keynote speakers: Danielle Osterholzer, M.D., assistant professor of Clinical Medicine and Pediatrics at Riley Hospital for Children; and Elaine Cox, M.D. associate professor of Clinical Pediatrics at Riley Hospital, who discussed the history and scope of the HIV epidemic and unveiled the "One Test Two Lives Campaign.

In addition, the IU Dance Marathon was recognized for their fundraising efforts.   This philanthropic organization of Indiana University college students, which began in 1991 in honor of Ryan White, has raised more than $8 million for the Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease at Riley Hospital for Children.

The first World AIDS Day was held in1988 as the result of a call by the World Summit of Ministers of Health on Programs for AIDS Prevention to improve dialogue about the disease, and to fight discrimination of those with HIV/AIDS.  Since then, World AIDS Day (December 1) has received the support of the World Health Assembly and the United Nations.  Not only does World AIDS Day honor the millions of individuals affected by and infected with HIV/AIDS, but it also promotes HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention in the United States and globally.

AIDS is a global epidemic that has established a firm foothold here in Indiana.  According to 2007 data, an estimated 8,851 Hoosiers were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in the state.  Additionally, 210 Hoosiers who were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS died.  This number of deaths nearly doubles the total from 2006.

To receive additional information on World AIDS Day activities, or about HIV/AIDS, visit the Indiana State Department of Health's Web site at http://www.isdh.in.gov/, or contact the Division of HIV/STD at (317) 233-7949.