World AIDS Day
by Gemma DeStella
Originating on December 1, 1988 World AIDS Day focuses on the awareness of the spread of HIV and aids. It is also for the mourning of those who have passed due to this disease. Organizations and individuals around the world observer this day with the education of how AIDS can be prevented and controlled.
This day was first thought of on August 1987 by two officers of information for the Global Programme on AIDS, James W. Bunn and Thomas Netter. For the first two years World AIDS Day focused on Young people and children as people of all ages may be infected with HIV. This theme also informed the populace that HIV can be a family disease. In 1996 The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/ AIDS took over the planning and promotion of World AIDS Day. By doing this they could focus on a year round promotions of education and prevention of AIDS.
In 2004 the Campaign for World Day became and independent organization. Traditionally this I a banner or sign or symbol such as the AIDS Ribbon that gets hung on the White house. This Tradition was Started in the Lincoln administration. In 2016 NGOs started a campaign to rename Word AIDS day to World HIV Day.