World AIDS Day — December 1

The World Health Organization established World AIDS Day in 1988.  World AIDS Day is an occasion to reflect about the 25 million people who have died from HIV/AIDS. It is a time to consider how to better care for the 33 million people living with HIV/AIDS. It is a time to reach out to families, friends, and loved ones who have been deeply affected by this pandemic.

The international theme for World AIDS Day for 2011 through 2015 is "Getting to Zero: Zero New HIV Infections; Zero Discrimination; and Zero AIDS Related Deaths." In keeping with the theme, the United Nations has set ten goals for 2015:

• Sexual transmission of HIV reduced by half, including young people, men who have sex with men, and transmission in the context of sex work; 

• Vertical transmission of HIV eliminated and AIDS-related maternal deaths reduced by half; 

• All new HIV infections prevented among people who use drugs; 

• Universal access to antiretroviral therapy for people living with HIV who are eligible for treatment; 

• Tuberculosis deaths among people living with HIV reduced by half; 

• All people living with HIV and households affected by HIV are addressed in all national social protection strategies and have access to essential care and support; 

• Countries with punitive laws and practices around HIV transmission, sex work, drug use, or homosexuality that block effective responses reduced by half; 

• HIV-related restrictions on entry, stay and residence eliminated in half of the countries that have such restrictions; 

• HIV-specific needs of women and girls are addressed in at least half of all national HIV responses; and 

• Zero tolerance for gender-based violence.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that more than one million people are living with HIV in the United States. One in five (21%) of those people living with HIV is unaware of their infection. Despite increases in the total number of people living with HIV in the US in recent years, the annual number of new HIV infections has remained relatively stable. However, new infections continue at far too high a level, with an estimated 48,000 Americans becoming infected with HIV each year.

More than 18,000 people with AIDS still die each year in the US. Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) are strongly affected and represent the majority of persons who have died. Through 2009, more than 617,000 people with AIDS in the US have died since the epidemic began.

Among racial/ethnic groups, African Americans face the most severe burden of HIV and AIDS in the nation.

• While African Americans represent approximately 12% of the US population, they account for almost half (46%) of people living with HIV in the US, as well as nearly half (45%) of new infections each year. HIV infections among African Americans overall have been roughly stable since the early 1990s. 

• At some point in their life, approximately one in 16 African American men will be diagnosed with HIV, as will one in 30 African American women.

Hispanics/Latinos are also disproportionately impacted. 

• Hispanics/Latinos represent 15% of the population but account for an estimated 17% of people living with HIV and 17% of new infections. HIV infections among Hispanics/Latinos overall have been roughly stable since the early 1990s. 

• The rate of new HIV infections among Hispanic/Latino men is more than double that of white men and the rate among Hispanic/Latina women is nearly four times that of white women.

Find basic information about HIV/AIDS (e.g., how it is and is not transmitted, the risk factors for HIV transmission, preventing transmission and the symptoms of HIV infection). 
 
The CDC now recommends routine HIV screening of adults, adolescents, and pregnant women in healthcare settings in the United States. Find an HIV testing facility nearest to you and those you care about.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton spoke about her goal for an "AIDS Free Generation"—a goal which aligns with the National HIV/AIDS Strategy. Visit PEPFAR to view the November 8 speech.