Celebrating Life: World AIDS Day 2008

This year marks the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day. On December 1st, individuals and organizations from around the world come together to bring attention the global AIDS epidemic.

Around the world, 33 milllion people are living with HIV, with nearly 7500 new infections every single day. In the United States alone, an estimated 1.1 million people are living with the disease. Studies have revealed a disturbing trend: more HIV infections occurred among young people ages 13-29 than any other age group. And, 2006, only 17% of young adults ages 18 to 24 report that they have been tested for HIV in the past 12 months.

In fact, the CDC estimates that approximately on in five persons living with HIV in the U.S. is unaware of his or her infection and may be unknowingly transmitting the virus to others. Since anyone can be at risk for HIV, the CDC recommends that adults and adolescents between the ages of 13 and 64 years of age be routinely screened for HIV infection. Pregnant women in the U.S. should be screened for HIV infection as part of their routine prenatal testing, but a shocking 40% are not.

On this World AIDS Day 2008, we all need to commit to expanding the reach of effective prevention efforts to those at risk and those living with HIV in order to stop the further spread of HIV in the United States and around the world.

What can you do?

• It starts with you. Get tested for HIV. To find a testing site center near you, visit hivtest.org or text your zip code to Know It (566948). Testing can be done with a cotton swab and may be anonymous.
• Participate in the Facing AIDS campaign. Take a picture of yourself wearing a red ribbon and add the photo to the “World AIDS Day 08” Flickr group, your facebook and/or myspace, Twitter, blog, and/or website. And leave it up!
• Stand up against stigma, racism and other forms of discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS.
• Educate yourself about AIDS and then spread the knowledge. We've got loads of facts and resources on our HIV/AIDS page. There, you'll also find additional ways you can help stop the epidemic.