The 24th Annual World AIDS Day will be Observed at Baker Park, with a ceremony, on Saturday, December 1st, from 8:30-10:00 am, at the Bell Tower.

Officials say the effort is to bring Frederick County residents together to raise awareness of the need for a committed, meaningful, and sustained response to the growing HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Founded in 1988 by the World Health Organization, World AIDS Day is held December 1st each year. In 1988, alarming numbers of individuals had already died of AIDS, and the day provided a time for remembrance and activism. The day still serves as a time to bring attention to the continuing epidemic and the issues that keep us from being able to curb the growth of the epidemic.

The theme of this year’s observance, "Getting to Zero-Working Together as One," reminds us that there is still work to do.

"Even though HIV has become a treatable disease, and those that are on successful treatment can expect to live a nearly normal lifespan, the truth is only two in ten persons living with HIV are actually controlling their infections on medications," states Debbie Anne, an AIDS Certified Registered Nurse with the Frederick County Health Department.

The December 1st ceremony is presented in partnership with: The Frederick County Health Department, The Faith Striders, Frederick Church of the Brethren HIV/AIDS Ministry, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, FCAC. Churches, civic groups, students, and other interested individuals are encouraged to attend this free event. Refreshments will be provided.

All are asked to wear red as a commemoration of the 28 million people worldwide who have died of HIV/AIDS .