People with HIV cannot sexually transmit the virus if their viral loads are reduced to an undetectable level. But many people still don’t know that.
This year AIDS WALK Kansas City is partnering with Prevention Access Campaign to ensure its global Undetectable = Untransmittable initiative reaches as many people as possible.
“We need to use this information as a public health service to make sure they’re getting the services and the care and the treatment they need to get to undetectable and stay undetectable because that will keep us alive,” said Bruce Richman, founder of Prevention Access Campaign.
The 31st annual AIDS WALK Kansas City is slated for Saturday, April 27, in Theis Park. Registration for the 3.5-mile walk opens at 8 a.m. The walk begins at 10 a.m. and usually takes 60-90 minutes to complete.
Kansas City surpasses national trends for its rate of suppressing viral loads, 74% to 35%. Even so, Belinda Manso, co-chair of this year’s AIDS WALK, said, “It’s important to keep it out in the forefront, so people are aware that it is still a vicious disease.”
If you can’t walk but want to donate, the AIDS Service Foundation of Greater Kansas City accepts donations year-round. The money raised stays in Kansas City to assist KC Care Health Center, SAVE Inc., Good Samaritan Project and Hope Care Center.