World AIDS Day, designated on December 1 every year since 1988, is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection, and mourning those who have died of the disease. Government and health officials, non-governmental organizations and individuals around the world observe the day, often with education on AIDS prevention and control.
World AIDS Day is one of the eight official global public health campaigns marked by the World Health Organization (WHO), along with World Health Day, World Blood Donor Day, World Immunization Week, World Tuberculosis Day, World No Tobacco Day, World Malaria Day and World Hepatitis Day] Since 1995, the President of the United States has made an official proclamation on World AIDS Day.
As of 2013, AIDS has killed more than 36 million people worldwide (1981-2012), and an estimated 35.3 million people are living with HIV, making it one of the most important global public health issues in recorded history. Despite recent improved access to antiretroviral treatment in many regions of the world, the AIDS epidemic claims an estimated 2 million lives each year, of which about 270,000 are children A Kissing Booth is a great way to spread the message ‘Kissing Doesn't Spread HIV. Ignorance Does’. Though, NAT is running a kissing booth in Soho Square on World AIDS Day 1-3pm with Attitude Magazine and Sink The Pink. Expect hunks, drag queens, a little bit of craziness and lots of fun. No tickets needed, just turn up on the day. In Nigeria, we are going to do te kissing on ou social media @olayemiesan #kissAwayHIV
The theme of World Aids Day 2015 is: Getting to zero; end Aids by 2030. The federal theme this year is: The time to act is now.
Both themes comply with UNAIDS's fast-track strategy to end the Aids epidemic by 2030. The strategy aims at averting 21 million Aids-related deaths, 28 million new HIV infections and 5.9 million new infections among children by 2030.
"Ending the AIDS epidemic and leaving no one behind in the response will profoundly affect the lives of millions of people around the world, for generations to come," UNAIDS executive director Michel Sidibe said to mark World Aids Day.
According to a latest global report by UNAIDS, the number of people on life-saving antiretroviral drugs has doubled since 2010, while incidents of new cases have fallen by 35% since 2000. In June, about 15.8 million people out of a total of 37 million people living with HIV were taking the drugs.
"The Millennium Development Goal of reversing the HIV epidemic was reached ahead of the 2015 deadline - an incredible achievement that testifies to the power of national action and international solidarity," WHO director general Margaret Chan said.
Events and observances around the world
Tens of thousands of individuals and community groups from across the globe take part in events to mark World Aids Day each year. The activities are also aimed at creating awareness about HIV, on how it is transmitted and how it is not.The observances also educate about social stigma against people living with HIV as well as for showing support to those who have the virus. A host of events are line up for the full week to mark World Aids Day around the world.
In London, the National Aids Trust, Attitude Magazine and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) club night Sink The Pink are holding a pop-up kissing booth in Soho Square as part of the Rethink HIV campaign. The event, among others in the UK, highlights the most common myth about HIV that it is transmitted through touch.
In the United States, the White House is hosting a World Aids Day event online. Watch the event live on 1 December from 1pm to 3.15pm ET (6pm to 8.15pm BST).
In Australia, a number of events, charity parties, lunch, barbecues, dinners, sports matches and more are taking place through the week to raise fund for Aids awareness campaigns as well as for those living with HIV.