World AIDS Day is Dec. 1, and this year’s theme is “Working Together for an AIDS-Free Generation.â€� African-Americans are encouraged to learn all they can about the disease, and here are 10 facts from the American Association for World Health.

1. The AIDS pandemic has resulted in the deaths of approximately 11.7 million people worldwide and will ultimately cause the deaths of an estimated 30.6 million people.
2. AIDS results from the late stage of infection with HIV. In adults, the onset of AIDS can take up to 10 or more years, with new drugs delaying that even longer.
3. HIV is transmitted through the exchange of any HIV-infected body fluids. Transfer may occur during all stages of the disease and the virus is found in blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk.
4. HIV does not survive long outside the body and therefore can only be transmitted when any of the above body fluids from an infected individual enters an uninfected individual.
5. HIV most frequently is transmitted sexually. The only way you can be completely sure to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV is by abstaining from all sexual contact.
6. All blood, organs, and tissue used during transfusions or surgeries have been tested for HIV. All contaminated products are immediately and carefully disposed of by medical professionals.
7. Anonymous HIV testing is the only form of HIV testing that is not name-based. If you receive a test from an anonymous testing center, no one but you will know the results of your test.
8. You do not get HIV from: donating blood; mosquito bites or bites from other bugs; sneezes or coughs; touching, hugging or dry kissing a person with HIV; the urine or sweat of an infected person; public restrooms, saunas, showers or pools; sharing towels or clothing; sharing eating utensils or drinks; or being friends with a person who has HIV/AIDS.
9. Young adults (under age 25) are quickly becoming the most at-risk age group, now accounting for an estimated 50 percent of all new HIV infections in the United States.
10. Discriminating against people who are infected with HIV/AIDS or anyone thought to be at risk of infection violates individual human rights and endangers public health.