World Aids Day

World AIDS Day, observed December 1 each year, is dedicated to raising awareness of the global ''' AIDS ''' ''' Epidemic ''' caused by the spread of ''' HIV ''' infection. December 1 was chosen because the first case of AIDS was Diagnosed on this day in 1981. Since then, AIDS has killed more than 25 million people, making it one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history. Despite recent, improved access to antiretroviral treatment and care in many regions of the world, the AIDS epidemic claimed an estimated 3.1 million (between 2.8 and 3.6 million) lives in 2005 of which, more than half a million (570,000) were children.

The concept of a World AIDS Day originated at the 1988 World Summit of Ministers of Health on Programmes for AIDS Prevention. Since then, it has been taken up by governments, international organizations and charities around the world.

From 1988 to 2004, the World AIDS Day was organized by UNAIDS , who, after consultation with other organizations, chose a theme. In 2005 UNAIDS handed over responsibility for World AIDS Day to The World AIDS Campaign ('''WAC'''), an independent organisation. For 2005, they chose '''''Stop AIDS: Keep the Promise''''' as the theme for World AIDS days through to 2010. This theme is not specific to World AIDS Day but also to the work WAC does throughout the year. The student element of the campaign, the Student Stop AIDS Campaign (SSAC), is a key part of increasing awareness among young people across the UK.

World AIDS Day Themes 1988 - 2005

list at external site

EXTERNAL LINKS

World AIDS Day 2005 site

For every person who lights a candle at Light2Unite.com , Bristol-Myers Squibb will donate $1 to HIV / AIDS research.

UNAIDS site on World AIDS day 2005

UNAIDS page on the 2004 campaign

The World AIDS Campaign

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World Aids Day