The Archdiocese of Atlanta recently hosted a prayer service and reception in which participants prayed for an end to the AIDS virus.

The service, which took place on Dec. 1, World AIDS Day, was also live-streamed, allowing people to attend the service virtually.

"The Archdiocese of Atlanta’s World AIDS Day Prayer Service is now streaming live from St. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Decatur," the Archdiocese announced on Facebook. "Click here to watch: https://vimeo.com/651316717."

The United States Catholic Conference of Bishops (USCCB) released a statement in response to the 1980s AIDS crisis, urging compassion for anyone afflicted by the disease and condemning any form of prejudice or violence.

"As members of the Church and society, we must reach out with compassion to those exposed to or experiencing this disease and must stand in solidarity with them and their families," the USCCB stated.

Additionally, the USCCB acknowledged that poverty and addiction were contributing factors to the pandemic and vowed to continue to seek methods to help remedy such situations.

"Along with other groups in society, the Church must work to eliminate the harsh realities of poverty and despair," the USCCB continued.

The first case of AIDS in the U.S. was reported in June 1981. Currently, the country has over 1.2 million HIV-positive persons, with roughly 35,000 new infections each year, according to a KFF report.

To date, approximately 700,000 individuals have died of HIV-related illness in the U.S.

"HIV testing is important for both treatment and prevention efforts. Yet, 13% of those with HIV are unaware they are infected," the KFF report states.

Additionally, HIV continues to disproportionately affect some demographics, most notably people of color, homosexual and bisexual males and transgender women.

Multiple government departments and agencies are currently involved in domestic HIV/AIDS response operations, which include disease monitoring, prevention, treatment and support services.

The private sector and community-based groups also offer assistance to HIV-positive and HIV-negative individuals.