Every year World AIDS Day is held on December 1 as an opportunity for countries and organizations around the globe to come together in their fight against the infectious disease. The Joint United Nations Programme on AIDS estimates that 30.8 million people were living with HIV/AIDS in 2009.

In the United States, many people struggle with prevention, education and treatment. These iReporters shared their personal connection to HIV/AIDS with CNN.com.

Ben, 21, of Minneapolis, Minnesota

Ben contracted AIDS from his partner of a year who hadn't told Ben that he had the disease. “I was shocked, a little scared,” he said. “[But] I had already done a lot of research so I knew what it was about.” He has been volunteering with HIV/AIDS awareness organizations for two years and is currently in a supportive relationship.
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