World AIDS Day is held on 1 December each year. It is
dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic
caused by the spread of HIV (Human Immune-deficiency
Virus) infection. It is an important opportunity for people
worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV and to show
their support for people living with HIV and to
commemorate people who have died. World AIDS Day was
the first ever global health day and the first one was held in
1988. There were 35.3 million people living with HIV
worldwide in 2012.
Today, many scientific advances have been made in HIV treatment,
there are many laws to protect and uplift people living with HIV and
we understand so much more about the condition. But despite this,
people do not know the facts about how to protect themselves and
others from HIV, and stigma and discrimination remain a reality for
many people living with HIV.
World AIDS Day is important as it reminds the public and all
Governments worldwide that HIV has not gone away – there is still a
vital need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice and
improve education.
World AIDS Day is a great opportunity for all of us to learn about
HIV and put our knowledge into action. If we understand how HIV
is transmitted, how it can be prevented, and the reality of living with
HIV today - we can use this knowledge to take care of our own
health and the health of others, and ensure to treat everyone living
with HIV fairly, and with respect and understanding.