There are an estimated 13,000 people living in Baltimore with HIV and AIDS.
"HIV does not discriminate, it's not something you know by looking at a person," said Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen at a commemoration event for World AIDS Day Friday.
Several people, including ABC2's Kelly Swoope, gathered at the War Memorial Building in downtown Baltimore to hear personal stories of triumph over the disease.
Survivors, faith based organizations, community activists and city leaders are working together as partners to stop the spread of the disease.
"The most important thing that everyone needs to do is get tested now," Dr. Wen said. "You need to know your own status in order to protect yourself and those around you."
Baltimore joined the global campaign Undetectable = Untransmittable, or U=U. It focuses on the success of treatment and how to stop the transmission of HIV.
