The Henry and Stark County Health Departments announce that the 25th
annual observance World AIDS Day will be commemorated on December 1, 2012.
World AIDS Day aims to increase awareness of the magnitude of the HIV/AIDS
epidemic globally and in the US.

World AIDS day is about increasing awareness, fighting prejudice and
improving education. The World AIDS Day Theme for 2012 is "Getting to
Zero." The theme is about reducing new HIV infections, discrimination and
AIDS related deaths to zero through increased advances and equal access to
HIV prevention, testing, treatment and care. One hundred ninety-one
countries around the world are observing this day to draw attention to the
AIDS epidemic.

According to UNAIDS estimates, there are now 34 million people living
with HIV, including 2.1 million children. Over 25 million people have died
from AIDS. During 2010 some 2.7 million people became newly infected with
the virus.

RaeAnn Tucker-Marshall, Health Department Director of Public Information
adds, "To give people a more national perspective, according to the most
recent CDC data, approximately 50,000 Americans become newly infected with
HIV each year and more than 14,000 people with AIDS die each year in the US.
Yet, studies show that some of the populations with the highest rates of
infection either do not recognize their risk or believe that HIV is no
longer a serious health threat. And research indicates that individuals who
are complacent about the threat of HIV are more likely to practice risky
behaviors."

For more information on the Department's confidential AIDS/HIV testing
and counseling, educational materials, and AIDS prevention services call the
Health Department at (309) 852-0197 or 792-4011 (Henry) or 852-3115 (Stark)
or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at
Henry and Stark County Health Departments.

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