Today, December 1st is World Aids Day, raising awareness of the spread of the disease.

Here in Montreal, a doctor working with HIV patients says within 10 years, AIDS could be eradicated in Quebec.

Dr. Rejean Thomas, who runs Actuel, a new walk-in clinic with rapid screening, located in the gay village, believes with testing and treatment, more people could live, disease free.

Thomas says HIV testing, remains a stigma, for doctors, friends and family.

There are between 300 and 450 new cases of HIV every year in Quebec, 30% of these are people under 30 years old.

Thomas is in talks with the provincial goverment to release a prevention campaign.

He'll be a guest speaker at a free MUHC prevevention forum, at 1901 de la Visitation, near Beaudry metro, beginning at 2:30 this afternoon.

Photo:  Margoe Edwards