Bloggers Unite with NIDA and AIDS.gov to recognize World AIDS Day 2008.

On December 1st, bloggers from around the world will unite for World AIDS Day 2008. Worldwide an estimated 33 million people are living with HIV. In the United States, an estimated one million Americans are living with HIV. In response, both the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of HIV/AIDS Policy’s AIDS.gov have come together to share HIV/AIDS information with the blogging community for World AIDS Day 2008.

Please join us on December 1st in recognition of World AIDS Day 2008. NIDA and AIDS.gov are working with Bloggers Unite because we value and recognize the power of a voice. Multiply that voice by the thousands and the sound of humanity will echo the blogosphere. HIV/AIDS affects too many in our communities to ignore. Be a part of a growing community of leaders that lift their voices.

Together, we can reduce the stigma of this pandemic through our words, voices and actions.

About the Day
World AIDS Day is observed every year on December 1st. The World Health Organization established World AIDS Day in 1988. World AIDS Day provides governments, national AIDS programs, faith organizations, community organizations, and individuals with an opportunity to raise awareness and focus attention on the global AIDS epidemic.

The Facts
In 2007, the estimated number of persons living with HIV worldwide was 33.2 million and there were 2.7 million people newly infected.

Resources
We hope these resources will assist your efforts to educate, motivate, and mobilize your local community in the fight against HIV/AIDS

• Join AIDS.gov; to promote this important day!
  
  
• Posters
  
  
• Fact sheets
  
  
• Websites; AIDS.gov; PEPFAR.gov; worldaidscampaign.org
  
  
• Mobile Resources; To find an HIV Testing location near you, send a text message with your ZIP code to KNOWIT (566948) or visit www.hivtest.org

Take Action
There are many ways you can take action in response to HIV/AIDS:

• get tested for HIV
  
• practice safe methods to prevent HIV
  
• decide not to engage in high risk behaviors
  
• talk about HIV prevention with family, friends, and colleagues
  
• provide support to people living with HIV/AIDS
  
• get involved with or host an event for World AIDS Day in your community