Observances will be held across the state tomorrow in recognition of World AIDS Day.

“;Hawaii is a relatively low-impact state when it comes to the number of reported AIDS cases and estimated number of people who are HIV positive,”; said Nancy Kern, state Department of Health HIV/STD prevention coordinator.

“;We want to continue that and one of the ways we do that is through really knowing the effects of HIV and AIDS and keeping up current program and the work AIDS service organizations are doing.”; Special events are planned in recognition of the 2,400 to 3,200 Hawaii residents living with HIV/AIDS and in memory of those who died because of the disease.

The Health Department reported 82 new AIDS cases last year, with 87 percent among men, making a total of 3,011 cases of AIDS in Hawaii between 1983 and Dec. 31, 2007.

Hawaii's needle exchange program has made a significant difference in the number of people affected, with a low rate of seven percent for AIDS cases among injection drug users, Kern noted.

World AIDS Day was established in 1988 as an international day of coordinated action to address challenges of the AIDS epidemic spreading through parts of the world.

“;It's the one day of the year when people can take time to think about people affected by HIV and AIDS In their own circle of friends and within their family,”; Kern said, suggesting islanders attend various events scheduled to see how the disease has affected Hawaii.

HIV, identified 25 years ago, is still a highly stigmatized condition here and around the world, the Health Department said, adding the hope that World AIDS Day “;will have a positive impact, increasing respect and compassion for at-risk and HIV positive people.”;

More than 30 national HIV/AIDS organizations, including the Life Foundation in Honolulu, have called for development of a comprehensive national AIDS strategy to address unmet needs for HIV research, treatment access, medical care and prevention in communities of color.

According to the Health Department and the UNAIDS program:

» More than 1.1 million Americans live with HIV and an estimated 56,000 new infections occur annually. The most severe impact is among gay and bisexual men.

» AIDS is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States among people from ages 25 to 44 in the United States.

» Worldwide, 33.2 million people, including 2.5 million children, are living with AIDS. Last year, about 2.5 million people were diagnosed with the virus.

Tomorrow's World AIDS Day Events

Oahu:

» A service will be held at 7 p.m. at St. Clement's Church, 1515 Wilder Ave., with a performance by the Honolulu Men's Chorus and Puna Men's Chorus.

» The fifth annual Suzanne Richmond-Crum Award and awards for the World AIDS Day Youth Leadership Challenge art contest. The winning entry will be displayed at St. Clement's Church.

» A photo documentary, “;Living Positive in Hawaii,”; will also be on display at the church from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Maui:

» The Maui AIDS Foundation will hold a candlelight vigil at 5:30 p.m. at Kalama Park.

Kauai:

» Free HIV and hepatitis C testing is available all day at Malama Pono, Kauai's AIDS organization. On Friday, Malama Pono's 100 volunteers will march in the annual Lights on Rice Parade, carrying candles and passing out AIDS ribbons.

Big Island:

» A World AIDS Day Memorial Service will be held at 5 p.m. at Coconut Island in Hilo to celebrate the lives of those who died from HIV/AIDS.

» A panel of the AIDS Memorial Quilt will also be on display in Hilo in the Palace Theater lobby throughout the week. The photo documentary, “;Living Positive in Hawaii,”; also will be on display in the lobby from Tuesday through Friday.

» On Friday, a benefit for AIDS services in Hawaii will be held at 7 p.m. at the Palace Theater featuring the Honolulu Men's Chorus and Puna Men's Chorus. A free memorial service will be held before the concert at 5 p.m. Call 982-8800 for concert tickets, which cost $10.