The Most Fundamental of Human Rights

Following the most essential human right, the right to life, the most fundamental of human rights is the right to health. Without health, it is difficult to enjoy many of the other basic human rights.

Today is World AIDS Day, a day that draws our collective consciousness to the global HIV/AIDS pandemic.

The United States Department of Health and Human Services notes

December 1st is World AIDS Day. Established by the World Health Organization in 1988, World AIDS Day serves to focus global attention on the devastating impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Observance of this day provides an opportunity for governments, national AIDS programs, churches, community organizations and individuals to demonstrate the importance of the fight against HIV/AIDS.

With an estimated 38.6 million people worldwide living with HIV at the end of 2005, and more than 25 million people having died of AIDS since 1981, December 1st serves to remind everyone that action makes a difference in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Americans should be reminded that HIV/AIDS does not discriminate. With an estimated 1,039,000 to 1,185,000 HIV- positive individuals living in the U.S., and approximately 40,000 new infections occurring every year, the U.S. like other nations around the world is deeply affected by HIV/AIDS.