December 1 is World Aids Day
December 1 is World Aids Day. Since 1988, it's been used to spread awareness of the devastating disease.
AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus, which weakens one's immune system, making him or her vulnerable to common viruses and bacteria.
An estimated 36.7 million people worldwide are living with HIV, with more than 1.1 million in the U.S.
50 percent of new HIV infections in 2014 were reported in southern states.