Take Action Today - World AIDS Day 2006
Around forty million people are living with HIV throughout the world - and that number increases in every region every day. Ignorance and prejudice are fuelling the spread of a preventable disease.

World AIDS Day, 1 December is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV and AIDS.

This year, it's up to you, me and us to stop the spread of HIV and end prejudice.

This starts by taking action.

In Costa Rica, this morning there are a series of activities planned at the Plaza de la Cultura, the plaza next to the Teatro Nacional on Avenida Central.

Rodrigo Vargas of the Centro de Investigación y Promoción para América Central de Derechos Humanos (CIPAC), a gay/lesbian organization, says he took an informal poll of 199 truck drivers in Costa Rica during the month of October and was alarmed at the ignorance this group have on the HIV/AIDS subject.

75% of the truck drivers responded affirmative to the question if carriers of the HIV virus be locked up in a special place, said Vargas. The majority of drivers, though responded positively that they could be close to someone who is infected with AIDS, but showed were against any type of physical contact, like hugging, petting or kissing, said Vargas.

In Costa Rica there are an estimated 24.000 people who have tested HIV positive and some 4.000 who have AIDS, according to the Ministra de Salud (Health Minister), María Luisa Ávila.

The minister added that there currently 2.900 people receiving treatment by the state social security system - the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) - of which 53 are children.

Beginning at 9am the World AIDS Day celebration will begin and include music, dance, art, culture and a lot of information on HIV/AIDS.

Special guests are expected to participate in the event, including sports personalities, local news commentators and presenters, as well as politicians.