World AIDS Day

Now in its 21st year, December 1st has been set aside as World AIDS Day to increase awareness, fight prejudice raise funds, and improve education.

The theme for 2009 is "Universal Access and Human Rights". World AIDS Day is important for reminding people that HIV and AIDS have not gone away, and that there are still many things to be done.

UNAIDS estimates that there are now 33.4 million people living with HIV worldwide, and that includes 2.1 million children. During 2008, there were approximately 2.7 million new infections, and an estimated 2 million deaths.

World AIDS Day provides an opportunity for all of us – individuals, communities and political leaders – to take action and ensure that human rights are protected and global targets for HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care are met. to that end, groups like Equality Illinois are here fighting for those rights!

Houses of worship, schools and groups across the nation will be holding events to celebrate the lives lost to AIDS over the past 28 years. We join with these organizations in remembering and honoring our fallen brothers and sisters.