World AIDS Day is held on 1st December each year and is an opportunity
for people to unite in the fight against HIV, 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.
About 34 million people have HIV. More than 25 million people between 1981 and
2007 have died from the virus, making it one of the most destructive
pandemics in history.
Today, many scientific advances have been made in HIV treatment, there
are laws to protect people living with HIV and we understand so much
more about the condition. World
AIDS Day is important as it reminds the public and Government that HIV
has not gone away – there is still a vital need to raise money, increase
awareness, fight prejudice and improve education.
The red ribbon is the universal
symbol of awareness and support for those living with HIV. The red
ribbon was the first ever ribbon symbol, inspiring later versions such
as the pink ribbon for breast cancer awareness.
