It's World AIDS Day today

Friday, December 1, 2006 marks the 19th annual World AIDS Day - a day to remember those we have lost and rededicate ourselves to the fight against AIDS around the world and here at home. Established by the World Health Organization in 1988, World AIDS Day serves to focus global attention on the devastating impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

With an estimated 40 million people worldwide living with HIV and more than 25 million people having died of AIDS since 1981, December 1st serves to remind everyone that action makes a difference in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Americans should be reminded that HIV/AIDS does not discriminate. With an estimated 1,039,000 to 1,185,000 HIV- positive individuals living in the U.S., and approximately 40,000 new infections occurring every year, the U.S., like other nations around the world is deeply affected by HIV/AIDS.

· 40,000 people become infected with HIV every year in the United States.
· HIV is the leading cause of death worldwide among those ages 15-59.
· HIV/AIDS is now the leading cause of death for African-American women age 25-34.

Virtual AIDS Quilt: http://aidsquilt.heretv.com/

How much do you know about the AIDS crisis? Find out by taking this AIDS Test.

3rd Annual Light to Unite - light a candle and Bristol-Myers will donate $1 to fight AIDS: https://www.lighttounite.org/

Make your mark for children affected by AIDS. Ask the Bush Administration to allocate more money to help children affected by AIDS. Add your virtual signature to the online petition or use your mobile phone to send a text message to the White House.