I decided to visit the World AIDS Day website because, well, it's World AIDS Day.

Here are some basic facts:

• More than 90 percent of HIV infections come as a result of sexual activity.
• Only one percent of babies have HIV when they're born to mothers with the virus.
• HIV is not passed along through spitting, biting, or sharing utensils.
• It only takes 15 to 20 minutes to find out if you have HIV.

According to a recent United Nations report, it's "entirely feasible" that the AIDS epidemic will eventually be eradicated. Approximately 34 million had HIV by the end of last year.

Most important of all, HIV is no longer a death sentence, thanks in part to the efforts of Vancouver researchers who've contributed enormously to the global understanding of how to combine drugs to control the virus.

I had the good fortune of spending time with some of the exceptional people at the Positive Living Society of British Columbia earlier this year when I was a judge in the organization's AccolAIDS awards.

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