On December 1, 2008, the twentieth anniversary of World AIDS Day will be marked around the world with activities ranging from candlelight vigils in the U.S. and HIV testing events in Finland to a cycling marathon in Cairo and a rock concert in Croatia.

“Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise” is the slogan of the World AIDS Campaign, and advocates will be calling upon global leaders to deliver on the promises they have made for universal access to prevention, treatment, care, and support by 2010.

A total of 33 million people are living with HIV/AIDS worldwide. In 2007 alone there were 2.7 million new infections, and only 31 percent of those who needed treatment were able to receive it. Nearly all of the world’s countries have established national policies on HIV (not including the U.S.), but most of these policies have not been fully implemented and many lack the necessary funds.

Across the world, many organizations preparing World AIDS Day events are gearing their efforts toward young people 15-24 years old, who now account for 45 percent of new HIV infections in adults. In India, the World AIDS Campaign is pairing with local partners to organize high-profile youth-oriented events, among them “Condom Cricket,” in which one team protects the human body (the wickets), by warding off HIV (the ball) with a condom (the bat).

The fielding team assumes the role of HIV/AIDS and related illnesses such as TB and pneumonia, and attacks the body with the assistance of opportunistic infections (fielders). The immense popularity of cricket in India has made this a very effective way to get people talking about HIV prevention.

amfAR will be marking World AIDS Day with the help of more than 20 New York-area restaurants, which are donating 10–15 percent of their sales on November 30 and December 1 to amfAR as part of the Chefs for a Cure event. For a list of participating restaurants, click here.

For a listing of national and global World AIDS Day events, click here.