30 years ago a unique, unidentified disease was found among five previously healthy gay men at UCLA medical center. In 1981, no one could, or would have, imagined the unidentified disease would become one of the biggest health issues of our generation—HIV and AIDS is responsible for taking the lives of more than 25 million people so far.  The disease is threatening to subvert various countries around the world.

December 1, 2011 marks the 23rd Annual World AIDS Day. This is our opportunity as young professionals to unite and remember those who have been victims to this tragic and destructive disease, shed light on the 33 million global citizens currently live with the HIV virus today, and to also celebrate our accomplishments of increased assess to treatment and prevention. We must not simply be overcome with our own obstacles and achievements, yet we must engage in conversations that tear down walls and destroy negative stigmas surrounding the disease. It affects everyone and it could be any of us – but the only way to know for sure is to get tested. Now is the time for action.

KNOW your status. EDUCATE Others. FIGHT prejudice. IMPACT your world.

For more information on testing locations and World Aids Day visit, http://www.worldaidsday.org/ or www.blackaids.org or http://www.hivtest.org/