More than 40 million people are currently infected with HIV. Sadly speaking, the numbers are only growing, not dropping.
Some of us may know, some of may not. How exactly do people get AIDS/HIV?
1. HIV can spread through sexual intercourse if one of the partners has the virus. It can be spread through an infected person's blood, semen or any other body fluids. To prevent it, always wear condoms.
2. People who inject themselves with drugs are also at risk. Many people who take intravenous drugs or steroids share needles with others. A person with HIV who shares a needle also shares the virus, which resides in the tiny amounts of blood found on the needle. Sharing needles can also pass hepatitis and other serious infections to another. Prevention is better than cure. Never take drugs.
Link: HIV + Drugs by NIDA
3. Newborn babies can get HIV from their infected mothers. This can happen before the baby is born, during birth, or through breastfeeding. Pregnant women should be tested for HIV because infected women who receive HIV treatment are less likely to spread the virus to their babies. Babies born to mothers infected with HIV are also given special medicines to try to prevent HIV infection.
As you can see, AIDS/HIV can be prevented. If that's the case, why are the numbers growing and not dropping?
A. Ignorance - In Africa, many are still not aware that condoms protect against HIV infection. Even if they are told, their tribal leaders will tell them: Condoms are a conspiracy by whites to lower African birthrates.
B. Religion - Some religion leaders are against the use of condoms.
C. Indifference - Some people are simply not concerned. I'm sure you have heard of people who know that they are infected with HIV but yet they still go around infecting others.
How can we make a difference? 
(i) If you are a blogger, write a blog post about World AIDS Day.
(ii) Wear a red ribbon and encourage others to do likewise.
(iii) Make a donation to help fund AIDS research.
(iv) Make a donation to help find HIV treatment and prevention programs.
(v) Have Self-Awareness!
Let's make a difference not only today, but on each and every day.
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