WLBT 3 - Jackson, MS: Jackson marks World AIDS Day

Jackson marks World AIDS Day

By Monica Hernandez - bio | email | twitter

JACKSON, MS (WLBT) - "Because of the stigma, I didn't want anyone to know I was infected with HIV," said Cedric Sturdevant.

Now, the prevention specialist for My Brother's Keeper, Inc., is speaking out.

On World AIDS Day, at the Jackson Medical Mall, he told his story. A story about how he and his long-time partner didn't seek treatment when they were first diagnosed because of the stigma associated with HIV.

A story about how his partner was being buried while Sturdevant was hospitalized.

"The mistake that we made is we never had protected sex," said Sturdevant, now 44.

Now, Sturdevant is encouraging others to protect themselves.

He's among thousands who, on World AIDS Day, are hoping to raise awareness about the deadly illness.

"It's so important that we arm ourselves with the knowledge to prevent further infection of this disease," said Juanita Davis, director of prevention and education at the state health department.

It's a serious disease in Mississippi.

The CDC released a report calling Jackson one of the hardest hit regions for the AIDS epidemic.

In fact, there are over 9,000 known cases of HIV in the Magnolia state.

Of those, 40 percent are concentrated in WLBT's viewing area.

"Think about the number of persons that could be walking around that don't even know they're infected," said Davis.

According to the state health department, nearly 80 percent of new cases in Mississippi are reported by African Americans.

"Across the nation, African Americans are disproportionately impacted, and we have the highest burden of HIV disease," said Davis.

It's a silent killer, and it's virtually impossible to know you have the disease without a test.

"Often times, many people do not show symptoms. So when there are no symptoms, and a person is feeling good and they're still transmitting the disease, we need to be proactive and protect ourselves," said Davis.

"Get the test. If you haven't had a test done, get your test done. And get the results. And if you get them, if they're negative or positive, go where you need to go to get help. It's out there, you just have to ask for it," said Eddie Sandifer, project director for the Southern AIDS Commission's Jackson office.

Another ceremony to mark World Aids Day in Jackson runs from 6 until 8 o'clock Tuesday night.

It will be held at Anderson United Methodist Church on Hanging Moss Road. It's free and open to the public.

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