Today is World AIDS Day. The purpose of World AIDS Day is to create an awareness of the HIV epidemic in Hawai'i, nationally and globally, and to enhance efforts to address the many challenges it presents.

The theme for Hawai'i's World AIDS Day events this year is "No Shame." This theme was selected to encourage understanding, respect and compassion for all people in Hawai'i, including those who are HIV-positive or at-risk for HIV.

HIV is spread most often through unsafe sexual behavior and the sharing of used needles among injection drug users. In Hawai'i, these behaviors are often practiced by those who are marginalized and alienated from a supportive community due to society's negative attitude toward them.

The bad news is that the HIV epidemic continues to be a reflection of the stigma and prejudice directed toward these individuals by a society that has yet to acknowledge the devastating personal and economic impacts that result from such discrimination. The good news is that, unlike many areas of the world, Hawai'i is in an ideal position to recognize the impact of such behavior toward others, and to take positive action to reverse this trend.

Globally, it is estimated that 40.3 million men, women and children are infected with HIV. During 2004, AIDS caused the deaths of an estimated 3.1 million people worldwide, including 1 million women and 580,000 children. Women are becoming increasingly affected by HIV. Approximately 50 percent or 19 million adults living with HIV around the world are women. By the year 2010, 20 million women will likely be infected with HIV, and 15 million children will lose one or both parents to AIDS.

Nationally, AIDS is the fifth-leading cause of death among adults ages 25 to 44. Approximately 40,000 Americans become HIV-infected each year. The total number of HIV-infected persons in this country is estimated to be approximately 1 million, and likely 250,000 of these individuals are unaware that they are HIV-positive.

In Hawai'i, it is estimated that there are between 2,300 and 3,200 individuals who are HIV-positive. As of June 30, there were 2,808 cumulative cases of AIDS reported statewide. Ninety-two percent of these AIDS cases are among men; 8 percent are among women. Less than 2 percent of the total number of AIDS cases are among teens and children. The largest number of reported AIDS cases is among those 30 to 39 years of age.

Caucasians comprise 61 percent of the total number of AIDS cases statewide. The second-largest number of AIDS cases is among Asians and Pacific Islanders, and almost half of these cases are in the Hawaiian and part-Hawaiian population. The percentage of AIDS cases among African Americans in Hawai'i is disproportionately greater than their population statewide.

Although the HIV epidemic has sadly touched too many lives here in Hawai'i, we may be more fortunate than those in many areas of the world. Access to prevention and treatment options is available to residents who are HIV-positive or who have developed AIDS. However, drugs to combat HIV and AIDS are not a cure and they do not prevent HIV transmission. Many of them are difficult to take, have serious side effects and are expensive.

Although there are many challenges in Hawai'i in addressing the HIV epidemic, this is an ideal time to more effectively confront this contagion. We not only have the potential of preventing further infections and caring for those who are HIV-positive, but we also have the knowledge to more effectively address its challenges.

Research has demonstrated that individuals are less likely to practice risky behaviors when they are respected and valued by others. We can have a positive impact on this epidemic through greater understanding and respect of all people in Hawai'i, including those whose lifestyles may be different from our own. Our humane treatment of others can help demonstrate to our children the values of tolerance and acceptance, so that vulnerable persons will be treated with compassion and empathy — the standard of an enlightened and progressive society.

Take time today on World AIDS Day to consider how to put the theme of "No Shame" into practice. Consider how respect and compassion toward others — particularly those who are infected or at-risk for HIV — can help make Hawai'i a better place to live for all of us.

For information on this year's World AIDS Day events statewide, go to: www.world aidsdayhawaii.org.

Nancy Kern is the HIV/STD prevention coordinator for the Hawai'i Department of Health. She wrote this commentary for The Advertiser.