World AIDS Day Litany

World AIDS Day commemorates on December 1^st each year to remind us that HIV has not gone away.  Globally, there are an estimated 38 million people who have the virus, and almost 2 million of them reside in the United States.  Despite the virus only being identified in 1984, more than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS-related illnesses, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.

World AIDS Day is a time for us to remember those we have lost, give thanks for the advances we have made, and commit to raising awareness, fighting stigma and prejudice, improving education, and enhancing care for those living with the virus.

Thank you for commemorating World AIDS Day and praying for mercy, peace, love, and hope for all those affected by HIV and AIDS.