Today, December 1st, is World AIDS day. This year the United Nations has been encouraging everyone toknow their HIV status. Knowing your HIV status is very important not only for yourself but for your sexual partner(s).

Antiretroviral therapy is now amazing and people who are HIV positive can live healthy lives and even stop spreading the virus. Butknowing your status is crucial —it's the very first step.

So spread the word. Take courage and take the test.