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AIDS has killed more than 25 million people between 1981 and 2007, and an estimated 33.2 million people worldwide live with HIV as of 2007, making it one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history.
Despite recent, improved access to antiretroviral treatment and care in
many regions of the world, the AIDS epidemic claimed an estimated 2
million lives in 2007, of which about 270,000 were children.
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Dr. Mann liked the concept, approved it, and agreed with the recommendation that the first observance of World AIDS Day should be 1 December 1988.