Established in 1988, World AIDS Day takes place annually on December 1 and serves to not only raise awareness of HIV/AIDS but also to pay tribute to those who have succumbed to the virus. Since the start of the pandemic in 1981, it is estimated that 40 million people have died of AIDS, and 37 million are currently living with HIV, making it one of the most significant global health crises of all time. Even with the progress made in terms of treatments, the epidemic continues to claim an estimated two million deaths annually, with more than 250,000 of those being young children.
HISTORY OF WORLD AIDS DAY:
World AIDS Day, which began in 1998 and is marked annually on December 1, was the first international health day ever. This special day is seen as an opportunity for individuals from all corners of the globe to come together, unite in the shared goal of fighting and overcoming AIDS, and to stand with those whose lives have been affected by HIV/AIDS, while also honoring those who have been lost to the disease.
James Bunn, a broadcast journalist who had recently joined the World Health Organization, and his colleague Thomas Netter thought that the period of time between the 1988 U.S. presidential election and Christmas would be a great opportunity to draw attention to AIDS. After considering different dates, they decided that December 1 would be the perfect day to mark the first World AIDS Day and they began to organize the event, working on it for the next sixteen months.
For the inaugural World AIDS Day, the main focus was on emphasizing the effects of HIV/AIDS on young people and their families, as well as stressing the fact that the virus does not just affect certain demographics. Recognition of this issue among the appropriate age group was the goal of the day's theme.
Beginning in 1996, the United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS began to take charge of the observance of World AIDS Day, transforming it into an annual event that would focus on educating and preventing the spread of the virus. In 2004, the World AIDS Campaign was established as a non-profit organization located in the Netherlands.
IMPORTANCE OF WORLD AIDS DAY:
World AIDS Day is an important day of remembrance and awareness for people around the globe. It is an opportunity to recognize the immense impact of HIV/AIDS on individuals, families, and communities, and to raise awareness of the continuing need for prevention and treatment efforts. The day also serves as a reminder to work towards eliminating HIV-related stigma and discrimination and to show compassion and support for those living with HIV. Additionally, it can be a time to reflect on the progress that has been made in the fight against the virus and to reaffirm the commitment to finding an effective cure. What is the purpose of commemorating World AIDS Day?
What meaning does the red ribbon hold for those observing World AIDS Day?
The red ribbon is an internationally recognized sign of compassion and backing for individuals living with HIV. Attaching one to oneself serves as an effective means of bringing attention to World AIDS Day, and the importance of the issue, in the weeks leading up to it.
What actions can be taken to commemorate World AIDS Day?
World AIDS Day is a day to remember and honor those who have been affected by HIV and to work together to find a cure. On World AIDS Day, we should remember those who have died from AIDS and work to find a cure for the virus. We can make a difference by donating to organizations that work to find a cure for AIDS, and by raising awareness about the virus and the importance of prevention.
Here are five surprising facts about AIDS:
- Some scientists have hypothesized that the human immunodeficiency virus originated from similar viruses present in chimpanzees and other primates.
- It is possible for someone to be infected with HIV and have no signs of illness for a prolonged period, potentially up to 10 years, without even being aware of their infection. During this time, they may still be unknowingly transmitting the virus to other individuals.
- It is believed by the CDC that a fifth of people in the nation may not know that they have the virus, as it is currently present in their system.
- Studies show that certain minority populations are disproportionately affected by HIV compared to other groups, which is often attributed to low levels of education, economic insecurity, and pervasive negative attitudes.
- By the close of 2011, a total of 3.3 million young people globally were living with HIV, illustrating the seriousness of the threat this virus poses to the lives of our children.
The significance of World AIDS Day and why it is essential to recognize:
- World AIDS Day initially faced criticism for giving attention to children and young adults, however, this was done with the intent of reducing the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS as a condition that predominantly affects gay men. In reality, HIV/AIDS is the primary cause of mortality among female reproductive-aged individuals on a global scale and in 2016, 1.8 million new HIV infections occurred, of which 43% were found to be in women.
- Since 2012, the main aim of World AIDS Day has been to reduce HIV infections, deaths due to AIDS-related illnesses, and discrimination to zero. In 2016, infection rates among young women aged 15 to 24 were 44% higher than those of men in the same age group, indicating that the effects of the well-known AIDS-related deaths of male celebrities such as Freddie Mercury, Robert Mapplethorpe, and Rock Hudson have caused a lack of awareness of the issues women face. World AIDS Day is working to combat this lack of understanding and work towards protecting everyone.
- Investigating the causes of unequal access to treatment is essential in order to reduce the prevalence of HIV/AIDS worldwide. The stigma surrounding sex workers and the LGBT community has been linked to a lack of effective treatment received by those suffering from HIV/AIDS. Since 2015, international AIDS funding has decreased, and only a small percentage of patients are receiving the necessary treatment. It is critical to recognize the disparities in care to ultimately eradicate the virus.