December 1 is World AIDS Day.
Today is a day to reflect on the affect of HIV on the human population.
More than 33,000,000 people are infected with HIV. In 2003, more than 2,000,000 people died from AIDS. Approximately 1,000,000 in the U.S. are infected with HIV: of these, it is estimated that 25% are unaware that they are infected and are at risk for infecting others because of this.
World AIDS Day is an annual global event to increase awareness and education on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
HIV testing is an essential component of HIV control and prevention. The stigma surrounding testing prevents people from being tested, increasing the risk of them passing infection to their partners.
For more information on World AIDS Day 2007: