This is World AIDS Day, and the idea is to raise awareness that the disease continues to spread, to support those living with HIV and to commemorate those who have died.
One new wrinkle in the HIV-AIDS situation comes from a survey done this fall that found more than half of people surveyed aged 18-54 did not know their HIV status.
The Ipsos survey also found those under 30 were more likely to acquire HIV, in part from a belief that good hygiene would prevent their infection.
AIDS Committee of Windsor Executive Director Michael Brennan says "HIV-AIDS remains a social issue as much as a health care concern" He adds "the stigmatization, discrimination against people living with HIV and the criminalization of people living with HIV 30 years out from the beginning of the epidemic."
There are approximately 700 people in Windsor Essex with the disease and 75,000 across Canada.
A candlelight vigil and march takes place this evening from the AIDS Committee of Windsor office to the Capitol Theatre.