AIDS has been the cause of death of more than 25 million people between 1981 and 2007, and an estimated 33.2 million people all over the world live with HIV as of 2007. That makes AIDS one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history. Despite recent, improved access to antiretroviral treatment and care in many regions of the world, the AIDS epidemic has taken approximately 2 million lives in 2007, of which about 270,000 were children.
World AIDS Day is a chance to raise public awareness, and hopefully breakdown some of the unwarranted stigma that surrounds HIV.
Want to do something? Help make a difference by visiting worldaidsday.org, and get involved.