December 1st marks the 25th World AIDS day observance. A day created to bring education and awareness to the worldwide pandemic.

It's estimated that 31 million people are currently infected with HIV/AIDS in the world today. That may not seem like much compared to other STI rates in the world such as HPV, but it is substantial. The World Health Organization or WHO seems to think so too and they're doing something about it.

While infection rates in some countries are continuing to rise, others are declining quickly because of measures being taken. In fact, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. A total end to HIV/AIDS in a generation's time.

Every year World AIDS Day has a theme and this years is: “Shared Responsibility: Strengthening Results for an AIDS-Free Generation.” Meaning that with the continuation of what we've been doing around the world we can create a world without HIV/AIDS within a generation even without a cure.

Even Barack Hussein Obama wrote a proclamation to the event.

"Each year on World AIDS Day, we come together as a global community to fight a devastating pandemic. We remember the friends and loved ones we have lost, stand with the estimated 35 million people living with HIV/AIDS, and renew our commitment to preventing the spread of this virus at home and abroad. If we channel our energy and compassion into science-based results, an AIDS-free generation is within our reach."

So this year do your part. Get tested and spread the word so others do as well. Perhaps within our children's lifetime HIV will be, just a memory.