The theme for World AIDS Day 2006 is ACCOUNTABILITY!!

Around forty million people are living with HIV throughout the world - and that number increases in every region every day. World AIDS Day, 1 December is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV and AIDS. This year, it's up to you, me and us to stop the spread of HIV and end prejudice.

In 2000, heads of state made a promise to halt and begin to reverse the spread of AIDS by 2015. New reports by UNAIDS and the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate that, as of 2006, the epidemic continues to spread in every region of the world. By now more than 65 million people have been infected with HIV and well over 25 million people have died of AIDS since 1981, 2.9 million in 2006 alone. At this rate, the WHO predicts that in the next 25 years another 117 million people will die, making AIDS the third leading cause of death worldwide. With “accountability” the theme of this World AIDS Day on 1 December, campaigners across the globe are calling leaders to account not just for good intentions, but also for action to make those promises a reality.

We remember our friends, family and all people around the world who live with HIV and AIDS everyday and we also remember those that are no longer with us. We will not forget! Keep up the pressure on our leaders to remember as well. Hold them accountable. We must all do our part to win the fight against this global epidemic.