World AIDS Day will be observed worldwide on Tuesday to help raise awareness about the worldwide impact of HIV and AIDS. The local numbers for the disease remain high. Georgia was ranked 8th highest in the country in 2006 for its reported rate of AIDS cases per 100,000 population.

In 2007, the number of people living with AIDS/HIV in Georgia was 33,599. Approximately 39% of these persons had HIV infection and about 61% had AIDS.

The 13 countries served by District 2 Public Health reported 168 persons with HIV and 236 with AIDS in 2007.

The theme for World AIDS Day this year is 'Universal Access and Human Rights.'

UNAIDS, the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS evaluates that there are now 33.2 million people living with HIV. This number includes an estimated 2.5 million children.

Progress has been made in increasing access to HIV/AIDS services, yet greater commitment is required around the world if the goal of universal access is to be achieved.

A huge majority of people infected with HIV/AIDS services, still greater commitment is needed around if the goal of universal access is to be achieved.

An appointment can be made at any local county health department for those who would like to be tested for HIV/AIDS for confidential testing and education.