December 1 is World AIDS Day, an opportunity to raise awareness about this disease which impacts millions around the world. Even though much progress has been made, by the end of 2010, an estimated 34 million people were living with HIV worldwide, up 17 per cent from 2001.
The International Red Cross Movement is continuing to fight the spread and stigma of HIV through prevention and education programs around the world. One example: here in Canada, the Canadian Red Cross works with First Nations communities in Southern Alberta to raise awareness and provide prevention education - as well as support to those already affected - through its Tipi of Courage Project.
Read more about how Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the world are working to make zero discrimination, zero new infections and zero AIDS-related deaths a reality. Also, check out this video below to learn how Red Cross is working to accomplish this in Thailand.