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International AIDS Day to raise awareness
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ISLAMABAD: World AIDS Day will be observed across the world on December 1 (Friday). The day observed since 1988 is dedicated to raise awareness of the global AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection.
It is not just about raising money, but also about increasing awareness, fighting prejudice, improving education and is a reminder that HIV still exists and there is still a lot more to be done.
This year's theme, 'accountability', is designed to inspire citizens worldwide. World AIDS Campaign hopes to develop a sense of joint identity and common purpose to ensure that more people are aware of the AIDS epidemic this year than ever before.
According to UNAIDS estimates, during 2006, 4.3 million people became infected with the virus, bringing the number of people living with HIV to 39.5 million, including 2.3 million children. Half of all infected people get the disease before the age of 25 and die before 35, according to the UN's AIDS epidemic update report.
The pandemic has killed more than 25 million people since the first case was reported in 1981. Access to HIV/AIDS treatment has increased in recent years, enabling many infected people to live longer. Originally organised by the UNAIDS, it is now handed over to The World AIDS Campaign, whose slogan is 'Stop AIDS: Keep the Promise.' It is an appeal to ensure that targets are met, set in the fight against HIV and AIDS. The campaign will run till 2010, with a new theme chosen each year.
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