Magic Johnson AIDS

Magic Johnson first announced he had aids around 17 years ago as of 2008 and is still going strong today. A famous American Basketball player he now persistently helps to raises HIV and AIDS awareness and has developed the “I stand with Magic” program. This program holds a HIV testing drive in over 10 cities in America every year and sponsor educational programs, advertising, and scholarships for HIV specialist doctors.

Unfortunately even to his best efforts Magic Johnson cannot educate the world and even today it is still tough getting the message across to young teens and adults alike. Some people still believe there is a cure for AIDS and some even think the Magic Johnson himself is cured because of his healthy appearance and lifestyle. Johnson does try his best to dispel these misconceptions and in no way claims to be cured. He does in fact owe his life to the anti-retroviral drugs he has to take every single day to slow down the HIV in his blood.

Johnson himself only found out he had the virus during a routine medical examination to take out a life insurance policy. He never imagined that he could have contracted HIV beforehand and now encourages others to ensure they get tested for HIV if they could have come in contact with the virus at any point, and for youngsters to practice safe sex at all times.

Magic Johnson announced his infection with HIV and subsequent retirement from basketball on November 7th 1991 at a time when most people did not understand the difference between HIV and AIDS and where the average life span was 8 to 10 years. Since the development of virus suppressing drug cocktails life expectancy has dramatically increased.