More than three percent of D.C. population is living with HIV/AIDS, a rate that matches the HIV rates in Uganda. Wednesday, Dec. 1, marks World Aids Day to draw awareness to the very real existence of HIV and AIDS even here in D.C.

In Georgetown, neighbors are welcome to attend a speaker series at the University Hospital's new research building auditorium on the medical center campus. Speakers and topics include:

• 1 - 1:45 p.m.: "HIV Drug Resistance" by Eric Feed, PHD, NCI, Frederick
• 1:45 - 2:30 p.m.: "Women's Interagency HIV Study 15 Years of Data on Women's Health" by Mary Young, MD, GUH, Division of Infectious Diseases
• 2:30 - 3 p.m.: "HIV/AIDS in Washington, DC" by John Hogan, MD, Unity Health Care, Upper Cardozo Health Center
• 3 - 4 p.m.: HIV/AIDS Panel, Moderated by Drs. Rosenthal and Hogan

Wednesday evening, a short walk to Dupont will take you to the Whitman-Walker annual candlelight vigil at 5:30 p.m., co-sponsored by the DC Center for the LGBT Community. A mobile HIV testing unit will be available to offer tests free tests.

Saturday, Georgetown Cupcake is partnering with Pediatric AIDS/HIV Care, Inc for "Cupcakes for Kids." On Dec. 4 ask for a Pediatric Care cupcake because all the sales will be donated to services for children and families affected by HIV/AIDS. Select from Vanilla 2 and Chocolate-Vanilla.

If you are looking for a way to get involved, the D.C. HIV Prevention Community Planning Group (HPCPG) is looking for new members. The group works with the D.C. Department of Health's HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD and TB Administration to develop an annual  prevention plan to stop the spread of HIV in the District.