World AIDS Day is Dec. 1. The theme for 2013 is “Getting to Zero” — zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths.

The simplest and most cost effective way to “Get to Zero” is by re-investing in HIV prevention education messaging. By ending stigma and discrimination and by having accessible and affordable medications for those who are HIV positive.

More than 30 years ago, when the HIV epidemic began, we couldn’t imagine a time when we would even consider “Getting to Zero.” However, through HIV prevention, access to medical care, affordable medications and ending stigma and discrimination, “Getting to Zero” can become a reality.

One of the most important things to keep in mind is that HIV is a human virus. It does not discriminate and neither should we. We can get to zero if we all commit to ending this epidemic.

Genia Graham, Lewiston