World AIDS Day. - "Silence is death."

"Silence is death." ~UN Secretary General Kofi Annan

December 1, 2006 marks the 19^th World AIDS Day. An estimated 25 million people have died from the virus, and nearly 40 million more are living with HIV/AIDS.

According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, known as UNAIDS, an estimated 39.5 million people around the world live with HIV and another 4.3 million will be infected this year, with nearly two out of every three new infections occurring in sub-Saharan Africa.

Among the press reports today are these from Catholic sources:

Stop AIDS: Keep the Promise
Catholic Relief Services
December 1, 2006

"If it infects one of us… it affects all of us."
Message from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
December 1, 2006

Bishop echoes pope in calling for end to AIDS prejudice
Groups throughout state to hold World AIDS Day observances
By ROBIN BROWN, The News Journal
Posted Friday, December 1, 2006

Church to be instrument of peace for those with AIDS, Catholic priest says
By Michael Swan
12/1/2006
The Catholic Register

World AIDS Day 2006 a Good Time to Join the Fight
Shawn McEvoy
Crosswalk Faith Editor

World AIDS Day – Peru Catholic ministries impact affected youths
By Barbara J. Fraser
12/1/2006
Catholic News Service