HONOLULU -- On Monday, Dec. 1, Hawai'i will join communities throughout the world in a unified observance of World AIDS Day.

Annually, World AIDS Day serves to strengthen global efforts to address the challenges of the AIDS pandemic, which continues to spread throughout the world. Since 1988, the first of December has been a day of compassion, hope, solidarity and understanding about AIDS, according to a news release from the state Department of Health.

World AIDS Day provides an opportunity to open channels of communication, strengthen the exchange of information and experience, and forge a spirit of social tolerance.

"World AIDS Day is the only international day of coordinated action to address the HIV epidemic," said Nancy Kern, HIV/STD Prevention Coordinator for the Department of Health. "It is an opportunity for residents of Hawai'i to learn how the epidemic affects not only people living in countries abroad hit hardest by this disease, but also how our friends, neighbors and co- workers right here in Hawai'i are impacted."

In Hawai'i, as in many parts of the world, HIV remains a highly stigmatized condition. Twenty- five years have passed since HIV was identified and HIV-related discrimination and prejudice continue in Hawai'i and around the world, according to the news release. It is hoped that awareness of World AIDS Day 2008 in Hawai'i will have a positive impact, increasing respect and compassion for at-risk and HIV positive people.

The following are current data that reflect the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Hawai'i:

• It is estimated that there are 2,300 to 3,200 individuals in Hawai'i who are HIV positive.

• Since 1983, there have been 3,011 reported cases of AIDS in Hawai'i (as of Dec. 31, 2007).

• A total of 82 new AIDS cases were reported last year (2007). Of these AIDS cases, 87 percent were among males.

• Hawai'i has a relatively low rate of reported AIDS cases among injection drug users (7 percent). This is due in part to the statewide needle exchange program, which has been in operation since 1990.

In the United States:

• Approximately 55,000 new infections occur in the U.S. each year.

• An estimated 1 million people are living with HIV/AIDS in the U.S.; an estimated 250,000 of these individuals are unaware that they are infected.

• Seventy percent of new infections occur among men, although women are significantly affected.

• There are more people living with AIDS in the U.S. than ever before. At the end of 2006, an estimated 973,000 people were living with AIDS, currently the fifth leading cause of death among people 25 – 44 in the U.S. These data reflect an increasing need for continued HIV prevention services, as well as treatment and care.

Internationally:

• 33 million people are currently estimated to be living with HIV/AIDS around the world.

• An estimated 2.7 million people became newly infected with HIV in 2007.

• During 2007, AIDS caused the deaths of an estimated 2 million people.

• Women are becoming increasingly affected by HIV. Approximately 50%, or 16.5 million of the 33 million adults living with HIV or AIDS worldwide, are women.

The following events have been planned on each of the Neighbor Islands for World AIDS Day:

• Hawai'i Island: Hawai'i Island HIV/AIDS Foundation

• AIDS Memorial Quilt: A panel of the AIDS Memorial Quilt will be on display in the Palace Theater lobby in Hilo from December 1st -7th.

• "Faces of AIDS" Photo Documentary: The island premier of the "Faces of AIDS" photo documentary will be on display in the Palace Theater lobby from December 2nd – 5th.

• World AIDS Day Concert: A benefit for AIDS services in Hawaii will feature The Honolulu Men's Chorus, Puna Men's Chorus, & Guest Performers on December 5th at Palace Theater. Concert starts at 7 pm. There will be a memorial service free to the public beginning at 5 pm.

• For more information on Hawai'i Island World AIDS Day events: call HIHAF at (808) 982-8800.

• Maui: Maui AIDS Foundation

• World AIDS Day: will be recognized with at ceremony on Monday, December 1st, location to be announced.

• The annual James Manness Dance: will be held on Saturday, November 29th, location to be announced.

• For more information: please contact Cathie Byrne at 808-242-4900, ext. 226 or via email at: cathie@mauiaids.org.

• Kaua'i: Malama Pono

• For more information on Kaua'i World AIDS Day events: please contact Jason Yaris at Malama Pono at 808-246-9577 or via email at: Jason@malama-pono.org.