People around the world Monday joined forces to show their support for those living with the AIDS virus, as well as those who have died from the disease, on the 26th World AIDS Day (Dec 1).
An estimated 34 million people are living with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, and more than 35 million have died from the disease. This year’s theme is “Focus, Partner, Achieve: An AIDS-free Generation.”
Ahead of World AIDS Day, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) urged more investment and access to treatment for children. The group said that 1.1 million infections among children under 15 have been averted, but that more needs to be done.
UNICEF said that while all other age groups have experienced a decline of nearly 40% in AIDS-related deaths between 2005 and 2013, those between 10-19 age are the only group in which AIDS-related deaths are not decreasing.
