World AIDS Day: – Communities can help the world eradicate AIDS by leading by example. Organizations from communities affected by, at risk of, or living with HIV are at the forefront of advancing the response to HIV. Communities link people to person-centred public health services, foster innovation, build trust, monitor how policies and services are implemented, and hold service providers accountable.
However, community leadership is being restricted. The development of HIV prevention and treatment programs is hampered by funding shortages, legislative and regulatory obstacles, capacity limitations, repression of civil society, and violations of the human rights of marginalized people. By addressing these barriers, community-led organizations can advance the international response to HIV and advance the fight against AIDS.
Every year on December 1, people around the world celebrate World AIDS Day. People from around the world gather to support people who are HIV positive and to commemorate those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses. Each World AIDS Day has a different theme, and this year’s theme is “Global Solidarity, Shared Responsibility.” World AIDS Day has raised awareness of a growing number of issues around the world, including this year’s theme. World AIDS Day was the first globally recognized day for global health and was established in 1988. Each year, United Nations affiliated organizations, governments and civil society come together to promote campaigns focused on certain issues related to HIV.
World AIDS Day was established in 1988 as an international day for global health by two public information officers of the World Health Organization. World AIDS Day provides a platform for people to come together to fight HIV, support those living with HIV and remember those who have died from an AIDS-related illness. Additionally, it is set aside as a day to connect innovative and successful HIV/AIDS-related programs and policies across various industries. Each year, United Nations affiliated organizations, government agencies and international societies come together to promote campaigns focused on certain HIV-related issues.
How did World AIDS Day start?
To raise global awareness of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, two World Health Organization employees, James W. Bunn and Thomas Netter, acting as public information officers for the World AIDS Programme, initially introduced the idea of World AIDS Day in 1987. The creation of a day specifically dedicated to addressing the issue aimed to debunk misconceptions and incorrect information about the disease and raise awareness among the general public.
The uncertainty and fear surrounding HIV/AIDS began to have a significant negative impact on the lives of those affected, forcing them to deal with numerous stigmas and discrimination in society. For example, those with HIV/AIDS were forced to live in seclusion and were prohibited from enrolling in schools, universities and other communities, as well as from participating in daily activities. As a result, on December 1, 1988, organizations connected to the United Nations celebrated the inaugural World AIDS Day.
Importance of World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day, one of the best-known international health holidays, offers a great opportunity to raise awareness about the disease. World AIDS Day is a day to support those fighting the disease and remember those who have died, but it is also a day to recognize successes such as improved access to treatment and preventive programs. The day also calls on people to unite and rid themselves of prejudice and injustice that constitute obstacles to HIV testing, prevention and treatment.
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Themes and observance
Each year, the World AIDS Day campaign theme is announced by UNAIDS, the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS. The 2017 motto was “My health, my right.” The goal of the campaign was to raise awareness about the right to health and address the problems that people around the world have with their health.
Every year, activities are carried out to encourage public participation in HIV/AIDS awareness by NGOs working in the health sector, local governments, social groups, schools, colleges, hospitals, societies and forums. Conferences, seminars, marches, marathons, street plays, skits, drawing competitions and many other events are held all over the world to raise awareness and provide common people with in-depth knowledge of the disease.
The stigmas associated with the disease mean that sufferers live in constant fear of failure and are forced to live in seclusion without access to basic rights. By doing this, we can build a community or world free of discrimination, one that not only shows sympathy to those suffering from HIV but also gives them the opportunity to live a normal and fulfilling life.
What does the red ribbon symbolize?
The red ribbon is a sign used around the world to show solidarity with those who have died fighting the disease and those living with HIV. In particular, people wear red ribbons on World AIDS Day to show their support and unite in opposition to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Data on HIV and AIDS (Latest data, UNAIDS, 2017)
- In 2017, there were 36.9 million people living with HIV worldwide.
- In 2017, 21.7 million people had access to antiretroviral therapy (ART).
- Anti-HIV medications are used in antiretroviral treatment (ART) to treat HIV infection.
- HIV medications help people with HIV live longer, healthier lives, although antiretroviral treatment cannot cure HIV infection.
- In 2017, 1.8 million people became infected with HIV for the first time.
- In 2017, AIDS-related illnesses claimed the lives of 940,000 people.
- Since the start of the pandemic, 77.3 million people have contracted HIV.
- Since the start of the pandemic, 35.4 million people have died from AIDS-related illnesses.
Observance of World AIDS Day 2023
Every year on December 1, governments, organizations and United Nations agencies celebrate World AIDS Day. It provides the ideal opportunity for public and private partners to raise global awareness of HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care. Different governmental and non-governmental organizations organize a variety of seminars and workshops to increase public awareness. On this day, many people show their support by wearing red ribbons, the emblem of AIDS prevention.
People who participate in celebrating this day on social media post content on Twitter, Facebook, or other social media sites in an effort to raise awareness. Additionally, you can commemorate this day by donating to any AIDS organization that helps HIV-positive people or by attending events held around the world. Additionally, you can create your own HIV/AIDS awareness event by gathering materials from various websites, such as World AIDS Day web pages and toolkits.
HIV and AIDS in India (Latest data, UNAIDS, 2017)
- In 2017, 2.1 million people were living with HIV in India.
- In 2017, 80,000 new people infected with HIV were added.
- In 2017, there were 62,000 deaths due to AIDS.
- 50 percent of infected adults were on antiretroviral therapy.
- 61,000 children aged 0 to 14 were living with HIV.
Conclusion
World AIDS Day is celebrated on December 1 every year to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and remember those who have lost their lives to the disease. It serves as an opportunity to educate the public about the importance of available prevention, testing and treatment options. This global event brings together people, communities and organizations from around the world to show their support for people living with HIV/AIDS and unite in the fight against this devastating epidemic. World AIDS Day also aims to combat the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS, promoting a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Frequently asked questions about World AIDS Day
Why is December 1st AIDS Day?
Bunn, a former San Francisco television journalist, had recommended the December 1 date believing it would maximize Western media coverage of World AIDS Day, a sufficient time after the US election but before the Christmas holidays.
What is World AIDS Day and why is it celebrated?
World AIDS Day is celebrated annually on December 1 to honor and remember those who have been affected by HIV and AIDS. It serves as a global platform for people to come together and show solidarity and support for people living with HIV and those who have lost their lives to this disease. It is important to recognize that we have the capacity to address the underlying inequalities that contribute to the spread of the AIDS pandemic.
What is AIDS Awareness Day?
December 1 is World AIDS Day. Share the following posts on social media to raise awareness about HIV among people around the world and encourage them to get tested and learn about their prevention options.
Who declared World AIDS Day?
World AIDS Day is celebrated on December 1 and was established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1988 to facilitate the exchange of information between national and local governments, international organizations and individuals.
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