The DuPage County Health Department is joining with individuals and organizations from throughout the U.S. and the world to support World AIDS Day 2008 on Monday.

This year is the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day. Health ministers from around the world met in 1988 and agreed on the concept of the day as an opportunity for all persons to demonstrate the importance of AIDS and solidarity behind worldwide awareness.

Beginning Monday, the Health Department will be offering HIV testing on a walk-in basis during business hours (8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) Monday to Friday.

There has been progress in the treatment for this virus, but there is still no cure and the number of new infections is climbing, according to the Health Department. This is cause for concern, especially among adolescents. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that 34 percent of new infections occurred among persons ages 13 to 29. An additional 31 percent of new infections occurred in persons ages 30 to 39.

The CDC estimates that one in every four persons in the U.S. who is infected with HIV is unaware of that condition.

The Health Department wants to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS in these target populations and educate all others about local services.

The DuPage County Health Department supports AIDS awareness every day of the year with its HIV/STD Program. Residents are eligible for confidential and anonymous testing and counseling. The health department also offers education and case management services.

For information on HIV/STD services, call (630) 682-7400.