It's not a holiday that's terribly festive, but, that's not the point of World AIDS Day.

For one day out of a year, the public is encouraged to reflect, review and realize where we have come in terms of AIDS diagnosis and treatment as well as how far we have still to go.

This year's theme is STOP AIDS. KEEP THE PROMISE and we all can make a difference. It takes a little courage, a little heart and maybe a little interest to check out one of the events.

Ignorance and predjudice increases the spread of a preventable disease everyday in regions that are not just defined by their poverty. Globally, 65 million people are living with AIDS yet only 1.5 million have access to treatment.

But, don't think it ends there, I've got more statistics for you and they ain't so pretty... 25 million have died since 1981 and 2.6 million died in 2006 alone.

The stats are supposed to be scary, because the world is ravaged by a pandemic that coninually effects more than effective international response can assist.

Stand up, make a commitment to yourself and the world to help conquer AIDS. Educate yourself, get tested, make a donation and...

speak out.