The month of December is the AIDS Awareness Month. AIDS means acquired immune deficiency syndrome and it results from the infection of the human body with the human immunodeficiency virus, also known as HIV. This disease damages the immune system, making it vulnerable to attack by opportunistic infections. It transmits itself through direct contact with an infected bodily fluid, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluid or even breast milk. The route of the infection can be through the bloodstream or via a mucous membrane. However, even if the virus is common in young people, because of sexual practices and drug use, it progresses more quickly in older people, because their immune system tends to be weaker.

Statistics show us that more than 33 million people worldwide have died from HIV/AIDS, and about 1 million of them died in the U.S. Even if it seemed like a good solution against the disease, the Centers For Disease Control's suggestion for mandatory testing of individuals between the ages of 13 and 64 has been largely ignored. This means that people who are infected do not take advantage of medical treatments that could prolong their lives and some of them even engage in behaviors that could infect others around them.

Country, state and national health officials in a forum on Monday discussed methods to increase AIDS and HIV prevention and education among minority and ethnic groups who may be misinformed about the virus. Rev. Ken Jackson, president of the Black Minister's Conference of Montgomery, told the media: "A big problem in minority communities is the issue of shame, being excluded, denial.” This center, run by the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, provides testing and treatment for those already infected with HIV, offering them help in finding health care and financial support. Unfortunately, many people don't look for help until it's too late. AIDS can be defeated only if we all work together, but that's not the case yet.