Saturday 1 December marks the 30th annual World AIDS Day, an international day dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS epidemic caused by the spread of the HIV infection…
Established in 1988 by the World Health Organisation (WHO) World AIDS Day, the first ever global health day, is an opportunity for people around the globe to join forces against HIV whilst showing support for those living with HIV and commemorating those who have died from an AIDS-related illness.
This year’s theme is “Know your status.” UNAIDS estimates that more than 9.4 million people around the world living with HIV are still unaware of their status; the virus was only identified in 1984.
Each year in the UK approximately 5,000 people are diagnosed with HIV, however many people are unaware as to how to protect themselves and others. Moreover, stigma and discrimination remain a harsh reality for many people living with the condition.
And while antiretroviral therapy has transformed HIV from a nearly always fatal infection into a manageable chronic condition, HIV still remains a global health threat.
World AIDS Day serves an important reminder to the public as well as governments all over the world, that we still need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education when it comes to AIDS and HIV awareness.
How to help
Show your support for the cause by wearing a HIV awareness red ribbon on 1 December. You can order a red ribbon online from the National AIDS Trust, or pick one up from a MAC Cosmetics shop and selected branches of Morrisons stores.
Use the hashtag #RockTheRedRibbon on social media to show your support. Various fundraising events will be running across London, such as: Red Ribbon Cabaret, World AIDS Day Jam, Poetry LGBT- World Aids Day Special, and the annual Red Run.
Looking for an AIDS awareness charity?
If you wish to seek support, or further information regarding AIDS or HIV and raising awareness you can find a full list of registered charities in our directory.
