AIDS and HIV continue to ravage populations around the world: every day, 8,000 lives are taken by this virus. With each death comes equally severe effects - orphaned children left behind (many of whom are also infected with HIV and AIDS), the decimation of working populations of struggling countries, and the economic havoc these deaths breed, including poverty and famine. Here in the US we've made significant strides against HIV and AIDS, but the United Nations estimates that between now and 2020, 68 million people will die in the 45 countries most affected by the disease. That's 68 million mothers and fathers, husbands and wives, and daughters and sons in every corner of the globe.

There is much to do. All around the world, organizations are working to provide urgently needed services to the most affected groups. With education and prevention, treatment and patient support, their outreach slows the spread of the disease and improves the quality of care for those already infected.

You can make a difference in how HIV and AIDS shapes the world in the next two decades. Your donation of money, time, or resources will benefit these organizations and the people they serve. You can also speak out against the disease by writing a letter to your congressional representative or your local media. It's never too late to stop AIDS and HIV now - and to make millions of lives better all around the world.

Make a Donation Use the resources below to learn more about the AIDS pandemic, and what you can do to help. AIDS Orphans Mother-to-Child Transmission Access to Treatment The Sex Industry Harm Reduction Search for additional AIDS-related organizations or charities in the GuideStar database. Volunteer In Your Community Share your time with organizations that work to build AIDS awareness, find a cure for HIV/AIDS, and stop its global threat. Africare Join Africare's HIV/AIDS Service Corps. AIDS Research Alliance of America Support the research staff in the search for more effective treatments. Doctors without Borders Volunteer in the field in the fight against AIDS. Search for additional AIDS related volunteer opportunities, or learn how to be a virtual volunteer . Create your Volunteer Record of Service Keep an online journal of your volunteer activities and experiences.

Get Involved Write elected officials to take action on pending legislation, or contact your local media for coverage of the AIDS crisis or demonstration. Use the resources below to get started. Tips and Tools Read how to write an effective action alert. Learn how to work with media and generate coverage. Download an Advocacy Guide for HIV/AIDS. Take Action AIDS Action Visit the Legislative Action Center for the latest AIDS action alerts. Stop Global AIDS Join the Stop Global AIDS campaign. WhatUDo.org Find activist groups using the Web to mobilize young people for change.