THOUSAND OAKS, CA - California Lutheran University will observe World AIDS Day 2013 with a panel discussion and candlelight vigil on Tuesday, Dec. 3.

CLU’s Center for Equality and Justice will host an HIV-positive speakers panel from 2:15 to 3:55 p.m. in Room 101 of the Swenson Center for the Social and Behavioral Sciences. A candlelight vigil will be held from 4:15 to 4:45 p.m. on the Swenson Center patio.

World AIDS Day, which officially falls on Dec. 1, was first observed in 1988. It started with a call by health ministers from around the world for social tolerance and greater awareness of HIV/AIDS on an international scale.

The theme for this year’s observance is “Getting to zero ¬– HIV and adolescents.” To highlight the fact that people 10 to 24 years old continue to be vulnerable to HIV infection, the World Health Organization is launching new guidelines and a policy brief on HIV testing, counseling, treatment and care for adolescents living with HIV.

The Swenson Center is located at 141 Faculty St. on the Thousand Oaks campus.

CLU’s Center for Equality and Justice (CEJ), Wellness Programs and Office of Campus Ministry and the HIV/AIDS Coalition of Ventura County are sponsoring the free public events. For more information, contact the CEJ at 805-493-3694 or cej@callutheran.edu.