World AIDS Day is observed every year on 1 December to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, support people living with HIV, and remember those who lost their lives due to the disease.
It was the first-ever global health day declared for a worldwide health issue.
📜 How World AIDS Day Started
1987
- The day was created by James W. Bunn and Thomas Netter, two public information officers working for the World Health Organization (WHO).
- They wanted a day when the world could unite to talk openly about HIV/AIDS, which was becoming a fast-spreading global crisis.
1988 – First World AIDS Day
- Celebrated for the first time on 1 December 1988.
- The theme focused on children and youth to highlight that HIV can affect anyone, not just adults.
🌐 UNAIDS Takes Over (1996 Onwards)
- In 1996, the responsibility for World AIDS Day shifted to UNAIDS (Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS).
- Since then, annual themes have been introduced to focus on:
- awareness
- prevention
- treatment
- removing stigma
- supporting affected families
🎗️ Red Ribbon Symbol
- The red ribbon became the global symbol of support for people living with HIV/AIDS in 1991.
- It represents:
- Love
- Care
- Support
- Solidarity
🎯 Purpose of World AIDS Day
- Spread awareness about HIV prevention.
- Fight stigma and discrimination.
- Support people living with HIV.
- Remember the millions of lives lost.
- Encourage testing and early treatment.