World AIDS Day 2009

Today marks the 21st anniversary of World AIDS Day, a worldwide effort to raise awareness of this global epidemic. Some of us in the industrialized West aren't regularly forced to confront the devastation that AIDS can unleash, but the problem is no less grave. Roughly 33 million people are infected with HIV or AIDS-with new infections occurring at a rate of about 5 people per minute.The World AIDS Campaign has an impressive rundown of events taking place today-like a televised candlelight vigil in Baku, Azerbaijan, or a classic cycling event in Belmopan, Belize. There's probably something happening near you.If you're currently living with or affected by HIV or AIDS, you can share your story here.