Today, Dec 1, is World AIDS Day and Alaskans will remember those lost to HIV/AIDS, and honor those living with HIV/AIDS, by holding candlelight vigils in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau, and by wearing red ribbons.

“Universal Access and Human Rights” is the 2009 theme for World AIDS Day, “doing everything we can to support countries to reach their universal access goals for HIV prevention, treatment, care and support – all the while protecting and promoting human rights,” said UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé.

Unaids.org reports that there are currently 33.4 million people worldwide infected with HIV and 2 million of those are children. Last year saw nearly 2.7 million new cases of HIV.

To help HIV prevention, treatment, care and support in Alaska, make donations to Four A’s (southcental and southeast) and IAA (interior), and visit Four A’s for the list of locations in Anchorage and Juneau that have a paint can full of free Red Ribbons.

Anchorage:

Join Four A’s for the annual World AIDS Day Candlelight Vigil, at 6 p.m. in the UAA Wolf’s Den (Student Union/Bookstore Building). Four A’s also co-presented the documentary “Sex Positive” with the Bear Tooth on Monday night as a World AIDS Day event.

Juneau:

Join Four A’s for the Juneau World AIDS Day Candlelight Vigil at 6:30 p.m. in the Baranof Hotel. Four A’s is also sponsoring a free showing of “Life Support” on Wednesday, December 2 at the Gold Town Nickolodean Theater at 8 p.m.

Fairbanks:

Join Interior Aids Association for a World AIDS Day Walk and Vigil on Tuesday, Dec 1. Meet at IAA at 5:30 p.m. for a Candle Light Walk to First United Methodist, 915 2nd Ave. and a service and potluck at 6 p.m.

Homer:

HIV testing is available today and every day without an appointment at Kachemak Bay Family Planning Clinic. Red ribbons are located at KBFPC, K-Bay Caffe & Two Sisters.