In communities all over the world on Friday, many will gather to observe World AIDS Day and raise awareness of one of the most destructive pandemics of our time.

AIDS has killed more than 25 million people since it was classified as a disease in 1981 after five men in Los Angeles became ill with a rare form of pneumonia.

In 2005 alone, about 3 million people lost their lives, including more than 500,000 children. It’s the fourth-leading cause of death around the world.

An estimated 40 million people worldwide are still living with HIV or AIDS, with a disproportionate number in Third World countries that don’t have access to treatment.

World AIDS Day originated in 1988 and was coordinated by UNAIDS until last year when the World AIDS Campaign took over responsibility.

Over the years, government agencies, nonprofit organizations and charities across the globe have joined the effort. A solitary red ribbon has become the symbol for HIV-AIDS awareness.

This year’s theme, “Stop AIDS: Keep the Promise,” is an appeal to policymakers and health authorities to meet goals in the fight against HIV and AIDS, including universal access to treatment by 2010.

Many organizations throughout the state will hold activities Friday, such as HIV testing, candlelight vigils, and services of remembrance to honor those who have died and those still living with HIV-AIDS.

Here is a list of some World AIDS Day events in eastern and central Maine:

ORONO: The University of Maine will hold a candlelight vigil starting at 6 p.m. on the steps of Fogler Library. The vigil is sponsored by the Peer Education Program and the office of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Services.

BANGOR: Eastern Maine AIDS Network at 370 Harlow St. will offer HIV testing and will participate in other events. For more information call EMAN at 990-3626.

BANGOR: Wabanaki Mental Health Association will conduct all-day HIV testing at its location at 187 Exchange St. For more information call 990-0605.

ELLSWORTH: The Down East AIDS Network will hold a vigil at 5 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church on Church Street. As always, DEAN offers confidential HIV testing at its location at the intersection of Pine and Hancock street in Ellsworth. For more information, call 667-3506.

MACHIAS: The Down East AIDS Network will hold a similar vigil at 5 p.m. on the steps of Machias Savings Bank on Center Street.

PITTSFIELD: First Universalist Church will participate in an alternative vigil from 7 to 8 p.m. as part of the national “For Whom the Bell Tolls” event. Participants will ring a bell and light a candle every eight seconds for three minutes to signify that one person becomes infected every eight seconds. The church is located at 6 Easy St.

For more information on other events throughout the state, contact Sharon Pree at the Maine AIDS Alliance in Augusta, 721-2924.