Recognizing World AIDS Day

Today, December 1^st , is World AIDS Day—a day to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS throughout the world. Although we have made great strides in this country to increase awareness through education and testing, it is estimated that over a million Americans are living with HIV. We must do more to educate the public – and urban communities in particular – about contraception and safer methods of sexual activity; expand access to testing; reduce the stigma of HIV and AIDS, and provide support for those who are afflicted.

Across the globe, we must also encourage governments to end discriminatory practices that hinder progress in reducing AIDS. In Uganda, for example, a new law will criminalize support for same-sex relationships and practices, cracking down on human rights organizations and increasing discrimination against the most affected groups. These efforts are shameful and do great damage to the objectives of this important day.