By Dr. Dontá Morrison
Every year, on December 1st, the world observes World AIDS Day, a global event dedicated to
promoting HIV awareness, encouraging testing, celebrating those living with the virus, and
honoring the millions who have succumbed to HIV over the last four decades. While HIV gained
mainstream attention in 1981, medical researchers suggest its origins in humans date back much
earlier—likely between 1915 and 1941. This revelation may prompt many to pause and verify
through a quick Google search, but regardless of whether HIV surfaced in the early 20th century
or became widely recognized in the 1980s, one unshakable truth remains: HIV has existed far too
long for misconceptions and stigma to persist.
Despite years of awareness campaigns and scientific advancements, it is alarming that some still
question how the virus is transmitted or perpetuate harmful stereotypes by labeling it as a “gay
disease.” Such myths fuel stigma, hinder prevention efforts, and alienate those most vulnerable
to the virus. World AIDS Day serves as a vital opportunity to educate, reflect, and recommit to
eradicating HIV and the prejudices associated with it. By fostering understanding and
compassion, we honor the memories of those lost and empower those living with HIV to thrive.
We must ensure the lessons of the past propel us toward a more informed and inclusive future.
Having worked in HIV awareness, education, and prevention for over 20 years, I have witnessed
significant progress in these areas. Individuals living with HIV no longer face the burden of
multi-pill regimens or constant medical visits. Instead, simplified treatments allow them to live
healthier lives with fewer disruptions. Biomedical prevention strategies like pre-exposure
prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) have also revolutionized the fight
against HIV. These tools significantly reduce the risk of infection when used correctly, providing
a powerful means to prevent the spread of the virus.
However, as much as I want to celebrate these advancements, I cannot confidently say we have
moved the needle far enough. Stigma remains one of the most significant barriers in our efforts.
Shame and misinformation continue to marginalize those living with HIV and those at risk of
infection. Many people hesitate to seek testing or treatment due to fear of judgment, rejection, or
discrimination. This hesitation perpetuates cycles of ignorance and vulnerability, allowing the
virus to spread unchecked.
HIV is not confined to one demographic, behavior, or lifestyle. It affects people of all races,
genders, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Yet, the belief that it is “someone
else’s problem” continues to impede our ability to combat it effectively. The delusion about
modes of HIV transmission leads many to avoid testing and prevention strategies, assuming they
are somehow exempt. Those who perceive themselves as low-risk may unknowingly engage in
high-risk behaviors, such as unprotected sex with partners whose status they are unaware of.
These assumptions create a dangerous ripple effect, perpetuating undiagnosed cases and
transmission.
To dismantle these barriers, we need a cultural shift grounded in education and compassion.
Comprehensive, stigma-free sex education is essential to teaching people about HIV prevention,
testing, and treatment. Biomedical tools like PrEP and PEP must be more widely discussed and
made accessible to everyone who needs them. Normalizing regular HIV testing as part of routine
healthcare—regardless of perceived risk—can help detect cases earlier, reduce transmission, and
eliminate stigma surrounding the testing process.
Equally important is addressing the systemic inequities that make HIV a disproportionate burden
for marginalized communities. Communities of color, particularly Black and Latino populations,
bear the highest rates of infection in the United States. Factors such as poverty, limited
healthcare access, and cultural stigma exacerbate these disparities. Addressing these challenges
requires funding for community-based organizations that provide culturally sensitive education
and outreach. Additionally, mental health support and accessible healthcare must be prioritized
to empower affected individuals to live full and healthy lives.
Ultimately, the fight against HIV demands a holistic approach that combines medical innovation,
widespread education, spiritual support, and an unwavering commitment to eradicating stigma.
Progress will not come from biomedical advancements alone but through community-driven
efforts to create environments where everyone feels safe to seek help, get tested, and receive
treatment. Only then can we hope to break down the walls of ignorance and fear that hinder our
progress. I look forward to the day when HIV is no longer a global crisis but a story of triumph
and resilience.
On a personal level, I am waiting for HIV awareness and prevention to receives the full
investment and urgency it deserves. Despite decades of progress, many people still fail to see
HIV as a pressing issue, often because they believe they are exempt from contracting it. This
false sense of security breeds complacency, where individuals categorize themselves as
“safe”and view HIV as the result of sinful behavior. Such misguided assumptions perpetuate
stigma, hinder testing efforts, and make prevention more challenging.
This fight is deeply personal to me, as someone who has been living with HIV for 25 years. I
often wonder if I would be as passionate about the cause if I were HIV-negative. Would I care as
deeply about World AIDS Day, AIDS walks, or National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day if I
didn’t face this reality daily? These are questions I can’t answer definitively. However, this is my
truth, and I cannot turn back the hands of time. Instead, I choose to focus on what I can do:
adhere to my treatment, advocate for my community, and work tirelessly to lower infection rates.
I refuse to let stigma define me or my work. Living with HIV has given me a unique perspective
and a relentless drive to fight for those who often feel unseen or unheard. Every conversation,
workshop, or campaign I participate in aims to amplify the voices of those affected and dispel
the myths that fuel this epidemic. It is not an easy journey, but it is a necessary one.
To anyone reading this, I urge you to join me in this fight. Whether by educating yourself,
encouraging others to get tested, or advocating for equitable access to healthcare, every action
counts. Together, we can work toward a future where HIV no longer carries shame, fear, or
discrimination—just hope, resilience, and the promise of a healthier tomorrow.