CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) - The nation's secretary of Health and Human Services is visiting South Carolina to discuss AIDS and the importance of serving those who don't have access to health care.

Kathleen Sebelius speaks Thursday at a meeting of the Tri-County Black Nurses Association in Charleston. Thursday is World AIDS Day and Sebelius will discuss the importance of carrying out the nation's strategy to combat HIV and AIDS.

Later, Sebelius attends a conference on health disparities sponsored by the Medical University of South Carolina, the Congressional Black Caucus and other sponsors.

Those attending the conference are discussing how to deal with disparities in health care caused by poverty, low educational levels and other factors.