WORLD AIDS DAY 2025: the “Forgotten Epidemic,” in Local Statistics
December 1, 2025, marks the 44th year when the first known case of Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) was first reported, and 37 years since World AIDS Day was designated to honor over 32 million people who had died from AIDS-related illnesses. This day is for solidarity for the millions affected by HIV, a remembrance for lost loved ones, and reaffirming the fight in the somewhat forgotten epidemic. This observance highlights the need to continue creating and supporting programs and policies across different sectors. The pandemic is far from over, as in 2023, in the United States there were 1,132,739 persons aged 13 years and older living with HIV. There were also 39,201 newly diagnosed that year.
The World Health Organization (WHO) through numerous programs, and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) with its Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. (EHE) initiative has a goal to reduce the annual number of new HIV infections by 75% by 2025 and by at least 90% by 2030. Statistics have shown a 12% decrease in new HIV diagnosis in the United States from 2018 to 2022, and the hope is 9,200 less infections this year and 3,000 less by 2030. Annual HIV deaths still occur with a rate of about 0.7/100,000 persons in Illinois.
In Illinois, HIV diagnosis in 2023 was still 14.7/100,000 which was an increase from 2022 (8.2/100,100). There were 19,897 people living with HIV (PLWH) as of June 2025 reported in the Chicago EMA (Eligible Metropolitan Area) by the IDPH (Illinois Department of Public Health) HIV/AIDS Monthly Surveillance Update. There is an increasing trend in the last few years (i.e.18,030 in June 2022) for HIV infection locally, and at least 597 of these reside in Will County with many more in the surrounding areas. This disease disproportionately affects our black and brown communities (67% nationally, 77% in Illinois), our young population 13 to 44 years old (@78%) and the LGBTQ+ community (@66%). It is worth noting that a significant proportion of PLWH are older persons and heterosexual females; and these sectors too need attention for more awareness and screening.
The Will County Health Department and Community Health Center (WCHD/CHC) has been in the forefront in the fight versus HIV/AIDS since November 20, 2017, through the Care Clinic led by Kendra Coleman. Services included HIV and STI (sexually transmitted infection) testing and treatment, PEP and PrEP (Post, and Pre-exposure prophylaxis). On April 29, 2024, Infectious Disease physician services were added which now allowed HIV care and treatment even for underserved individuals with no insurance coverage. There is collaboration with other organizations like IDPH and AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC); and utilizes various grants and programs including Prep4IL, Ryan White, Family Planning, Title X WC etc., to assist clients and align with the push: Getting to Zero Illinois for HIV prevention.
Service utilization has been rising, with a total of 663 client testing and PrEP visits this year (to October 31, 2025), an 88% increase since 2020. About 300 persons had initiated PrEP since program inception reflecting sustained engagement in preventive services, and at least 143 active PrEP patients currently. The best protection against acquiring HIV infections for persons at risk is PrEP (99-100% effective). There are now four FDA-approved drugs for HIV prevention: Truvada and Descovy oral medications, and Apretude and Yeztugo injections; and the Clinic offers all these options. As of October 31, 2025, 454 HIV Ag/Ab tests and 205 rapid HIV tests were done this year. The team is very active with community engagement, including testing, referrals, outreach and support groups.
With the onset of HIV treatment being available, the ID/Care Clinic received a significant number of HIV-positive persons who previously cannot find care due to being uninsured, including disenfranchised migrants. Many more HIV-positive patients had transferred their medical care and in addition, there have been 12 newly diagnosed HIV+ clients in 2024 and 7 so far this year. The Clinic now services at least 187 HIV-positive persons who can avail themselves of Ryan White/AIDS drug assistance program (ADAP) case management. There is a laboratory available in-house, and other services like Behavioral Health, Gynecology, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Dental and Social services. Injectable antiretroviral therapy such as Cabenuva is also available. Since the start of the year, there had been at least 1,111 kept appointments in the ID/Care Clinic.
The HIV/AIDS pandemic is here to stay; despite less publicity and fanfare it continues its scourge after 44 years: there is still no cure, and people are still dying from it. The big difference is there are now highly effective life-saving medications which can also be used for prevention. Many individuals are unknowingly infected while others may still engage in risky behavior so there are opportunities to break the cycle. There is a continuing need for community education and awareness, not just focused on the so called “high-risk” groups as anyone may be at risk; so widespread confidential and affordable testing has to be available. For those at higher risk, PrEP is available and highly effective and for those infected, there are HIV treatments available backed up by social and financial support services. There is a need for sustained funding, research, and collaboration with other organizations, and engagement with the community in this long, drawn-out initiative. This December 1st, let us not forget this somewhat forgotten epidemic.
Dr. Dan Garganera, Infectious Diseases
Will County Health Department and Community Health Center
December 1, 2025
Will County Health Department Recognizes World Aids Day on December 1st
JOLIET, Ill. – The Will County Health Department and Community Health Center are reminding residents that Monday, December 1, 2025 is World AIDS day. Established in 1988, World AIDS day is used to raise awareness about Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and honor the lives affected by the global pandemic that has claimed more than 32 million lives over the past 40 years.
