1st December - World AIDS Day 2009

World AIDS Day, observed on December 1 each year, is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. It is common to hold memorials to honor people who have died from HIV/AIDS on this day. Government and health officials also observe the event, often with speeches or forums on the AIDS topics.

There are now 33.4 million people living with HIV, according to 2008 figures released by WHO (1). An estimated 2.7 million were newly infected with the virus and 2 million died of AIDS the same year. Sub-Saharan Africa remains the region most heavily affected by HIV. In 2008, sub-Saharan Africa accounted for 67% of HIV infections worldwide, 68% of new HIV infections among adults and 91% of new HIV infections among children. The region also accounted for 72% of the world’s AIDS-related deaths in 2008.

Started on 1st December 1988, World AIDS Day – besides raising awareness – is also about raising money, fighting prejudice and improving education. This year's theme is 'Universal Access and Human Rights'.

Watch AVERT´s (2) new video explaining why universal access to HIV prevention, treatment and care is the key to ending the global AIDS epidemic:

Global leaders have pledged to work towards universal access to HIV and AIDS treatment, prevention and care, recognising these as fundamental human rights. Valuable progress has been made in increasing access to HIV and AIDS services, yet greater commitment is needed around the world if the goal of universal access is to be achieved. Millions of people continue to be infected with HIV every year. In low- and middle-income countries, less than half of those in need of antiretroviral therapy are receiving it, and too many do not have access to adequate care services.

The protection of human rights is fundamental to combating the global HIV and AIDS epidemic. Violations against human rights fuel the spread of HIV, putting marginalised groups, such as injecting drug users and sex workers, at a higher risk of HIV infection. By promoting individual human rights, new infections can be prevented and people who have HIV can live free from discrimination.

World AIDS Day provides an opportunity for all of us - individuals, communities and political leaders - to take action and ensure that human rights are protected and global targets for HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care are met.

(1) WHO - World Health Organization

(2) AVERT - according to the 7th edition of Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary "to avert" means to prevent something bad or dangerous from happening and here it is an international AIDS charity.

PICTURE of red ribbon: The Red Ribbon is the global symbol for solidarity with HIV-positive people and those living with AIDS.
HIV- the virus that can cause AIDS
AIDS - the abbreviation for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

PICTURE of David Kirby, dying of AIDS, in his room in the Ohio State University Hospital in May 1990, with his family at his bedside.

PICTURE of an enormous pink condom, 22 meters high and 3.5 meters wide, for the sixth World AIDS Day, on December 1st 1993, placed on the obelisk in the Place de la Concorde in Paris.

For a much more comprehensive approach, please click on the following links:

http://www.who.int/mediacentre/events/annual/world_aids_day/en/index.html (info on World AIDS Campaign, HIV / AIDS, ...)

http://www.worldaidscampaign.org/en/Key-events/World-AIDS-Day (World AIDS Day Materials, events, ...)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Aids_Day (info on World AIDS Day Themes from 1988 to now,...)

http://unaids.org/en/ (updated infos on AIDS - statistics, ...)
http://www.avert.org/world-aids-day.htm  (Besides updated info, the avert.org website is packed with resources for learning about HIV and AIDS, HIV transmission, statistics, AIDS around the world,...; Do try their GAMES and QUIZZES!)