World AIDS Day: Faces of the disease
Today marks World AIDS Day, giving people worldwide an opportunity to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died.
Despite many advances made in researching the disease, stigmas and discrimination remain.
This was challenged by many celebrities, who have put a face to HIV/AIDS.
Magic Johnson
Former Los Angeles Lakers point guard Earvin "Magic" Johnson announced to the world that he was HIV positive in 1991, at the age of 32.
Johnson celebrated his 57th birthday in August, showing that it is possible to live with the disease.
He is one of the biggest AIDS activists in the world, educating people about what the disease is about and teaching others not to discriminate against people who have HIV and AIDS.
Freddie Mercury
Rock legend and Queen frontman Freddie Mercury died in 1991 of AIDS-related pneumonia at the age of 45.
Mercury was the first major rock star to die of AIDS with his death representing an important event in the history of the disease.
The remaining members of Queen founded The Mercury Phoenix Trust and organised The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert for AIDS Awareness in 1992, to celebrate the life and legacy of Mercury and raise money for AIDS research.
The concert was broadcast live to 76 countries and had an estimated viewing audience of 1 billion people.
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Charlie Sheen
Hollywood actor Charlie Sheen announced his HIV status in an exclusive interview in 2015 at the age of 50.
Sheen's interview highlighted the importance of getting tested and knowing your status to prevent spreading the disease.
Sheen admitted to having unprotected sexual relations while unaware that he was HIV positive.
Nkosi Johnson
Nkosi Johnson was one of the world's youngest AIDS activist.
Johnson was born with HIV and died at the age of 12 in 2001.
He was posthumously awarded the first KidsRights Foundation's international Children's Peace Prize in Rome in November 2001 for his efforts in support of the rights of children with HIV/Aids.
His legacy continues to live on through Nkosi's Haven, which houses and supports HIV-positive mothers and children.
Lesego Motsepe
Former Isidingo actress Lesego Motsepe died in 2014 after announcing that she was HIV positive on World AIDS Day in 2011.
She was diagnosed in 1998.
Motsepe was an AIDS ambassador, raising awareness about the disease.
Koyo Bala
Singer and gay rights activist Koyo Bala died of anal cancer in March this year after announcing his HIV status in 2011.
The 3Sum group member was diagnosed in 2010.
Celebrities advocating for HIV/AIDS
Desmond Tutu
Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu is a patron of the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, housed within the Desmond Tutu HIV Centre (DTHC) at the University of Cape Town.
It is committed to the pursuit of excellence in research, treatment, training and prevention of HIV and related infections in Southern Africa.
Charlize Theron
Oscar winning actress Charlize Theron created the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP) in 2007 in an effort to support African youth in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
CTAOP provides support to organizations through direct grants and networking.
Elton John
Music icon Elton John launched the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) in 1992 in the United States and in 1993 in the United Kingdom.
The EJAF aims to support innovative HIV prevention, education programmes, direct care and support services to people living with HIV.
Alicia Keys
Singer Alicia Keys, whose mother passed away of AIDS when she was a young girl, co-founded Keep a Child Alive in 2003.
The organisation helps children and families in Africa and India cope with the devastating effects of HIV/AIDS.
Bono
U2 frontman Bono co-founded the ONE organisation.
ONE is a campaigning and advocacy organisation of more than seven million people around the world taking action to end extreme poverty and preventable diseases, particularly in Africa.