World Aids Day is one of the most important awareness days that is related to our health. Every year World Aids Day is celebrated on the 1st of December to raise awareness about AIDS (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome), which is a pandemic disease caused by HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection. It is an opportunity for the whole world to unite and fight against HIV and show love and support for the people who are facing HIV disease.
World AIDS Day is one of the eight official global health campaigns, which is marked by the World Health Organizations (WHO), World Blood Donor Day, World Hepatitis Day, World Immunization Week, World Tuberculosis Day, World No Tobacco Day, World Malaria Day, and World Health Day.
Theme of World Aids Day 2024
This year the theme of World Aids Day 2024 is Take the Rights Path
We can eradicate AIDS if we uphold everyone’s rights. If communities take the lead and prioritize human rights, the world can eradicate AIDS as a public health concern by 2030.
Human rights protection has advanced in tandem with the significant advancements in the HIV response. The advancements made in the HIV response have, in turn, spurred more extensive advancements in the development of health systems and the realization of the right to health.
However, a recent spike in rights violations threatens to undo the gains made, preventing the world from moving toward AIDS eradication and harming public health.
A rights-based approach is the way to eradicate AIDS. Human security, sustainable development, and the eradication of HIV/AIDS all depend on upholding the UN Declaration of Human Rights and encouraging the inclusion of all communities. The immediate requirement is to pass policies and legislation that protect the rights of all people and to repeal criminal laws and any others that violate people’s liberties. The international human rights framework’s directives are legally binding, and communities can demand that those in charge live up to their human rights promises.
History of World AIDS Day
First World AIDS Day was observed in August 1987 “James W. Bunn and Thomas Netter” by the two public information officers for the Global Programme on AIDS at the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland. They both shared the idea with Dr. Jonathan Mann, Director of the Global Programme on AIDS (which is now known as UNAIDS). Dr. Mann liked and approved the concept with the recommendation that the first World AIDS Day observance should be on 1st December 1988.
Logo of UNAIDS
In 1996, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) became operational and started the planning and promotion of World AIDS Day. In 1997, UNAIDS shifted its focus from a single day to a year-long campaign that emphasized education, communication, and prevention. In 2004, the World AIDS Day campaign transitioned into an independent organization.
Importance of World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day is important as it reminds the public and government that HIV is an important health issue and still there is a need to raise awareness and money to fight prejudice and education. AIDS is one of the global health issues recorded in our history. As per the statistics of 2017, 28.7 million people and 41.5 million people worldwide died due to AIDS, and an estimate of 36 million people are living with HIV. Also in the UK, 101,600 people are living with HIV.
According to data, the death rate has decreased due to recent access to antiretroviral treatment in many parts of the world. 1 million in 2006 compared to last in 2005 1.9 million death is recorded
Campaign of World AIDS Day
On this World AIDS Day, take a stand to stop HIV-related stigma and help to end the loneliness and isolation of many people who are facing or living with HIV. This year’s campaign is “Rock the Ribbon Together.” Red Ribbon not only suits your outfit but has the power to show love to the families of HIV.
How to celebrate World AIDS Day?
On World AIDS Day, you can show solidarity with millions of people by wearing a “Red Ribbon” (HIV awareness ribbon), or you can visit one of the events hosted by organizations, NGOs, and other private companies. For many organizations, December is celebrated as World AIDS Day month.
Importance of Red Ribbon
The Red Ribbon is a universal symbol for World AIDS Day; it is a symbol of love and support for the people who are suffering or living with HIV and concern for the people who lost their lives due to AIDS. Wearing red ribbons on World AIDS Day is a great way to spread awareness on World AIDS Day.
Swikriti Dandotia
