World AIDS Day, which occurs each year on December 1, is a day dedicated to raise awareness about AIDS and the global spread of the HIV virus. More than two decades after its onset, the HIV-AIDS pandemic remains an enormous challenge in Canada and around the world.
AIDS continues to be a global health issue. According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, 34 million people were living with HIV worldwide in 2011.
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) was first detected in Canada more than 30 years ago. Since then, thousands of Canadians continue to become infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) every year.
HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, resulting in a chronic, progressive illness that leaves people vulnerable to infections. When the body can no longer fight infection, the disease has progressed to become AIDS.
To find out more about HIV-AIDS and how to minimize risks, visit the following website: http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/diseases-conditions-maladies-affections/disease-maladie/hiv-vih-eng.php
