Today, December 1, is designated as World AIDS Day. This year's official events will focus on the stigma and discrimination faced by many of those with HIV/AIDS. In addition, the World Health Organization is marking the day by launching "3 by 5," its commitment to get antiviral drugs to 3 million HIV-positive people in underdeveloped nations by the end of 2005.

A few statistics: In 2002, 42 million people worldwide were living with HIV/AIDS. Of those, 3.2 million are children, and 29.4 million are in Sub-Saharan Africa. There were 3.1 million deaths due to HIV/AIDS, and in most areas of the world -- including both Africa and the United States -- heterosexual sex is the main mechanism for the transmission of HIV/AIDS.

What can you do today? Find out more about HIV. Make a donation to your local HIV/AIDS organization. Find out about events in your local area and participate.

Spread the word. Stop the ignorance.

World Health Organization
World AIDS Day
World Statistics
The AIDS Memorial Quilt
AIDS.org