Magic Johnson Received An Aids Diagnosis When?

Magic Johnson, an NBA legend, was diagnosed with HIV in 1991 during his iconic basketball career. Despite being initially diagnosed with the virus in Salt Lake City, Utah, Johnson’s diagnosis came as a shock to the sports world. He announced on CBS Mornings that he would have to retire from the Lakers due to the HIV virus.

In the early 1980s, as researchers worked to understand and treat the virus, the number of infections continued to rise, and AIDS was fatal for virtually everyone diagnosed. Johnson used the 1992 Olympic Games to shatter stigma around HIV, using the announcement to educate the public about the disease.

Magic Johnson Jr., an American businessman and former professional basketball player, was able to use the 1992 Olympic Games to shatter stigma around HIV. His T-cell count was off the charts every time he went to the doctor, and his announcement served as a public health catalyst for rapidly correcting the public’s perception of the virus.

Despite the devastating impact of his HIV diagnosis, the virus still disproportionately burdens minority populations. According to experts, the average period between infection with the human immunodeficiency virus and diagnosis of AIDS is now ten years. In an interview with People, Magic Johnson shared his story of how he turned his devastating HIV diagnosis into an opportunity to educate the public about the disease and its impact on minority populations.