The Island will today observe World AIDS Day and the public isurged to wear red or a red ribbon to symbolise the fight to eradicate the virus that was first known in Bermuda in 1982.

Since then, more than 600 people have been diagnosed with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS and more than 500 people have progressed to AIDS, and 400 have died.

This year, six people have died from HIV/AIDS, compared to five who died last year.

Similarly there were ten cases of AIDS and ten cases of HIV reported last year, compared to 13 cases of HIV and eight cases of AIDS reported this year.

Today there are more than 200 people living with HIV/AIDS in Bermuda. This year's UN theme is "Stop AIDS! Keep the Promise – Leadership."

Plus the messages: "HIV/AIDS is 100 percent preventable," "Get the facts; Know the Risks; Guard your Health."

A proclamation ceremony will be held on the steps of City Hall at 11 a.m. and the public is also urged to wear red through tomorrow.

Additionally, a walk from Bernard's Park to Victoria Park will take place tonight starting at 7 p.m. and an HIV/AIDS Awareness display will be open at the Bermuda College.

It is estimated that 59 percent of all cases in Bermuda are a result of sexual contact and a further 35 percent from the injection of drugs.

During the past year there were 14 HIV cases recorded alone, plus nine where full blown AIDS developed, according to the Department of Health.

The most of those HIV cases affected the 40 to 49 age bracket (representing 35.71 percent) and the 50 to 59 age group for AIDS, (representing 33.33 percent).