CHAPEL HILL -- It's hard to put into words just how widespread the AIDS epidemic still is in 2017.

According to UNAIDS, more than 36 million people in 2016 were living with HIV worldwide.  And of those, they say more than a million died from AIDS related diseases.  

World AIDS Day is recognized on December 1 each year, but the efforts don't stop then.  On December 14, community partners are joining for HIV Cure Research Day, a time to celebrate and learn. 

Caroline Blair sat down with Dr. Allison Mathews, the CEO of Community Expert Solutions, and Marcus Hawley, researcher for UNC Public Health for a look at their efforts to help support, treat and find a cure for the virus and disease.  

For more information, visit CES's website