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MayaTech Recognizes World AIDS Day
SVP Kelly Wagner Leads Dec. 2 National Panel on Faith and HIV
Silver Spring, MD (December 1, 2021) - As the global coronavirus pandemic continues, millions of people are simultaneously surviving the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The MayaTech Corporation acknowledges World AIDS Day, as we work daily to ensure minority and marginalized communities have awareness of and access to HIV/AIDS health services and treatment.
Recognized on December 1 by the World Health Organization (WHO), highlights a public health issue impacting an estimated 37.7 million people worldwide. This year’s theme of World AIDS Day 2021 is “End inequalities. End AIDS.,” with a call to action for global leaders to reach people who are not currently receiving essential HIV services. According to WHO, 1.5 million people were newly infected with HIV during 2020, while 27% of people living with HIV were not receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART).
“As the HIV/AIDS epidemic—much like the COVID-19 pandemic—disproportionately impacts communities of color, MayaTech has remained on the frontline of public health research and solutions to address these disparities,” said MayaTech President Valerie Spencer.
MayaTech’s projects directly confronting HIV/AIDS inequalities, include:
- Coordination, dissemination, and replication of innovative HIV care strategies and tools in the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP). The program serves HIV primary care providers and community-based organizations to address needs and gaps in the delivery of HIV care and treatment along the HIV Care Continuum.
- The Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) Partnerships for Care HIV Training, Technical Assistance, and Collaboration Center project supported HIV services integration into primary care delivery in health centers. See the toolkit.
- Publishing insights for advancing public health equity during the pandemic, as featured in the Professional Services Council’s quarterly magazine.
Kelly Wagner, MayaTech Senior Vice President and Manager for the Center for Technical Assistance, Training, and Research Support, will moderate a panel at the U.S. Conference on HIV/AIDS (USCHA) titled “SHERO: The Impact of Faith in Conversations with Women living with HIV.”
“For many, faith is the pillar of their everyday journey,” Wagner said. “People rely on faith to overcome many obstacles, especially related to health and wellness. This session will highlight the impact that faith plays in addressing issues regarding women and HIV.”
Ms. Wagner will host the session, organized by The Balm In Gilead, Inc. , on Dec. 2 at 4:30 p.m. EST for USCHA conference attendees. Additionally, on Dec. 9, HIV.gov will host a webinar on the updated HIV/AIDS strategy and how it can be used in communities to end the HIV epidemic.
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About MayaTech: Since 1985, The MayaTech Corporation has focused on tackling existing and emerging public health challenges through direct engagement with agencies, governments, communities, and individuals. We provide a suite of research, training, evaluation, capacity-building, and other strategic support services aimed at reaching and impacting vulnerable populations, amplifying best practices, and innovating the practice of public health. Learn more at mayatech.com and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.