World AIDS Day

World AIDS day is held on December 1st annually designed to raise awareness about AIDS and get people talking about a traditionally taboo subject. Wearing a Red Ribbon is the global symbol for showing your support for those with AIDS or HIV. It is estimated around 25 million deaths have occurred as a result of AIDS and 38.6 million people worldwide are currently living with HIV.

World AIDS day was first concocted in 1988 at a World Summit of Ministers of Health on Programmes for AIDS Prevention. It has now been adopted by various parties such as charities, international organizations and governments worldwide. Until 2004 a theme was picked every year for the World AIDS Day however these days the central theme Stop “AIDS: Keep the Promise” is adopted with a sub theme that changes each year. It is usually a day in which people hold memorial ceremonies for those that have died from HIV or AIDS. From the year 1995 onwards the US President has conducted an official speech on the matter every World AIDS Day. This was quickly picked up and mimicked by other country governments.

World AIDS day is also an opportunity for AIDS related charities to hold functions and money raising events for the support of HIV and AIDS sufferers. The sub theme for 2008 is Leadership which was also the theme for 2007. this has been designed to build on the theme accountability of 2006 to encourage leaders of all levels to do their part to help stop AIDS.