World AIDS Day began in 1988 as a day to focus global attention on the HIV/AIDS epidemic across countries, organizations, and governments. Each year World AIDS Day has a theme; this year's theme is: "Men Make A Difference."

Because HIV remains a leading cause of death among young people, and people under 25 are estimated to make up half of all new HIV infections in the United States, the Kaiser Family Foundation has a number of initiatives aimed at youth both here in the United States and in South Africa.

These projects include the release of a National Survey of Teens on HIV/AIDS, and special education programs with Seventeen Magazine, as well as with two top youth networks, MTV and BET, both of which will be broadcasting World AIDS Day specials. The Foundation also has a major initiative in South Africa to raise HIV awareness and promote safer sex behaviors among youth in that country called loveLife. Young people involved in that campaign will be in the United States to participate in World AIDS Day activities at the United Nations.

Visit Recent Kaiser Family Foundation World AIDS Day pages.