Channel C: World AIDS Day

In Seattle, the Space Needle will be glowing red throughout the day. In Puri, India, a 50-foot sand statue of a red ribbon lies on the beach. In Berlin, Germany, members of the Lissanga Dance Company perform to promote HIV awareness. On every part of the planet, people have pledged to step up the fight against the disease. Governments promised to combat the stigma associated HIV/AIDS and promised to bankroll treatment programs on World AIDS Day.

Kenneth in the (212) says we have reason to be be hopeful:

• We find ourselves in a cautiously optimistic position. While new infections in younger gay men and some minority groups are up and the search for a vaccine has stalled, a new study suggests that immediate treatment after testing positive for AIDS -- rather than waiting for immune depression to kick in -- could not only help people live longer and healthier lives, it may drastically reduce the spread of the virus.

Dr. Petra Boynton outlines this year's theme and the issues that need to be addressed:

• Today (1 December) is World AIDS Day and this year’s theme is ‘Respect and Protect’ – a message designed to get us thinking about ways to reduce the spread of HIV and reduce discrimination against those with HIV. Problems of leadership (or the lack of), discrimination against at-risk groups, gender inequalities, lack of education, poverty and homophobia are all contributing to the spread of HIV.

Global Voices Online has created a world map of HIV-positive bloggers on World Aids Day to celebrate how ordinary citizens and activists bravely help raise awareness about the virus.

Modern Fabulousity says we need a definite refocus on the AIDS epidemic:

• It's World AIDS Day.