It's been 30 years since the discovery of the AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) virus, yet more than 33 million people across the globe are afflicted with AIDS as reported by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).
In 2008, an additional three million people were diagnosed with AIDs and more than two million AIDS related deaths were reported. Since 1995, infection rates in gay men have climbed. Reportedly, 50% of new HIV infections occur in young adults below 25 years of age. African-Americans and Latinos are up to 23x more likely to be diagnosed with HIV.
Today is World AIDS Day, a day we should all take a moment to pay tribute to those living with the virus, and to those who have died from AIDS. It's also worth reflecting on the progress made in stemming the spread of HIV/AIDS. The latest figures show that new HIV infections have declined by 17%. New treatments have helped extend the lives of those diagnosed with HIV.
Much of the recent progress in the fight against AIDs can be attributed to large-scale prevention efforts. Ultimately, conquering HIV/AIDs will not only require greater funding to extend and expand on promising research projects, but also collaboration and partnership at every level of society, government, and business. Working together under one unified vision, we can help to slow the spread of AIDS and one day, hopefully find a cure.
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