World AIDS Day, observed December 1 each year, is dedicated to raising awareness of the global AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. AIDS has killed more than 25 million people, making it one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history.
World AIDS Day was originally organised by UNAIDS, who chose the theme after consultation with other organisations. However, in 2005 UNAIDS handed over responsibility for World AIDS Day to an independent organisation known as The World AIDS Campaign (WAC). The WAC’s slogan for their work is "Stop AIDS: Keep the Promise".
According to UNAIDS estimates, there are now 39.5 million people living with HIV, including 2.3 million children, and during 2006 some 4.3 million people became newly infected with the virus. Around half of all people who become infected with HIV do so before they are 25 and are killed by AIDS before they are 35.
When Mr. Bill Gates recently came to India, and announced a gift of US $100 million for the control of HIV/AIDS in India. Quoting a World Bank study, he mentioned that by the year 2010 there would be 25 million infected persons in India. So friends, is not it alarming situation for all of us?
The Red Ribbon
The red ribbon is an international symbol of AIDS awareness that is worn by people all year round and particularly around World AIDS Day to demonstrate care and concern about HIV and AIDS, and to remind others of the need for their support and commitment.
The red ribbon started as a "grass roots" effort, and as a result there is no one official red ribbon manufacturer, and many people make their own. It's easily done - just use some ordinary red ribbon and a safety pin!
What can we do to support World AIDS Day?
There are many ways in which we can support World AIDS Day. For example:
* Raise awareness of HIV and AIDS in your area
* Wear a red ribbon and ask others to do the same
* Protect yourself and your partners - this is the first and best way to stop the spread of HIV
* If you are worried - get tested.
Friends hope this article provides us some useful information. Read on my next article on HIV and AIDS. Labels: Health is Wealth |
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