AIDS is a global epidemic that has established a firm foothold right here in Indiana. An estimated 7,989 Hoosiers are currently living with AIDS, and another 3,945 Hoosiers are currently living with HIV. Since 1981, more than 4,400 people in Indiana have died from AIDS.

December 1 is the 18th annual World AIDS Day, the only international day of coordinated action against AIDS. The goal of World AIDS Day is to promote HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention, both in the United States and globally.

Thirty-seven percent of the 7,989 Hoosiers currently living with HIV are African-American, even though African-Americans are only 8.8 percent of the state's population. In Indiana, African-Americans account for 46 percent of AIDS cases among women.

The first World AIDS Day was held in 1988 as the result of a call by the World Summit of Ministers of Health on Programs for AIDS Prevention to improve dialogue about the disease, and to fight discrimination of those with HIV/AIDS. Since then, World AIDS Day has received the support of the World Health Assembly and the United Nations.

To receive additional information on World AIDS Day activities, or about HIV/AIDS, visit the Indiana State Department of Health's Web site at www.isdh.in.gov.