- Sep 14, 2011
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World AIDS Day
According to a new report by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS, or UNAIDS, almost 63 million people have been infected with the HIV since 1981. And at the end of 2009, some 33.3 million people were living with HIV, including 2.5 million children.
"World AIDS Day is both a day of remembrance and a day of celebration," said U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, Ambassador Eric Goosby. "We must all keep in our thoughts those who have lost their lives to AIDS. Its in their honor that we work every day to provide HIV prevention, treatment and care to millions across the globe.
"Yet, its also a day to celebrate those whose lives have been improved and saved thanks to global efforts to fight this devastating disease," said Dr. Goosby.
"Globally, about 5.2 million people in low- and middle-income countries were on HIV treatment at the end of 2009. The United States Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Reliefor PEPFAR as it is commonly knownwas a major contributor to the increase.