December 1 is World AIDS Day. Celebrated on the same date each year, World AIDS Day began in 1988 as an international day providing an opportunity to raise awareness and celebrate victories such as increased access to treatment and prevention services.
From 1988 until 2004, the World AIDS Day annual theme was selected byUNAIDS, in consultation with global health organisations. The annual theme is now chosen by the World AIDS Campaign Global Steering Committee, in consultation with organisations and government agencies involved in the AIDS response.
The Theme
The theme for World AIDS Day 2010 is Universal Access and Human Rights. The goal is universal access to HIV and AIDS treatment, prevention and care, and to achieve this the protection of human rights is vital: violations of human rights increase the spread of HIV by putting marginalised groups at higher risk.
The World AIDS Campaign is promoting Light For Rights - a campaign to encourage city dwellers all around the world to dim the lights on key landmarks in remembrance of the devastation wreaked by AIDS, and to turn back on the lights to illuminate universal human rights.
The Red Ribbon
The idea for the red ribbon as the symbol of the fight against AIDS came from Visual AIDS, a contemporary arts organisation based in New York. The group of artists is committed to HIV prevention and AIDS awareness through producing and presenting visual art projects. In 1991, having lost many friends to AIDS, the artists decided to do something to raise awareness and fight HIV. They came up with idea of using ribbon, inspired by Americans using yellow ribbon to express support for Gulf War soldiers. The colour red was chosen was for its vibrancy and its association with passion.
The red ribbon quickly became an iconic symbol, widely used all over the world. An international symbol of AIDS awareness, it is worn to demonstrate concern about HIV and AIDS, and to remind people of the need for their support. The red ribbon is a great example of grass roots effort - there is no official manufacturer, and anyone can make one.
The Message
In his Message for World AIDS Day 2010, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said:
“Next year will mark the thirtieth anniversary of the AIDS epidemic. This milestone offers a moment to reflect — and to renew our resolve.
"Over the past three decades, AIDS has caused untold suffering and death. But another story has unfolded through the years; one of the global community uniting with passion to take action and save lives. These efforts are making a real difference around the world.
"Fewer people are becoming infected with HIV. Millions of people have gained access to HIV treatment. More women are now able to prevent their babies from becoming infected with HIV. Travel restrictions for people living with HIV are being lifted by many countries, as stigma gives way — still too slowly — to compassion and recognition of human rights.
"With commitment and solidarity, this movement is helping the world turn the corner on the AIDS epidemic. We have finally reached the first part of Millennium Development Goal 6 — by halting and beginning to reverse the spread of HIV. We must continue to chart a new and bold path ahead. Our common goal is clear: universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support. We must also work to make the AIDS response sustainable.
"Three decades into this crisis, let us set our sights on achieving the “three zeros” — zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. On this World AIDS Day, let us pledge to work together to realize this vision for all of the world’s people.”
The World AIDS Day campaign started today in Sydney with a red-colored harbor, more than 80 iconic landmarks across 13 countries will be colored red.Alicia Keys, Lady Gaga, Kim Kardashian, Ryan Seacrest and Justin Timberlake are just a few of the celebrities that will “end their digital lives” by signing off from all social networks including Facebook and Twitter. They have pledged to not come back online until $1 million is raised for Keep a Child Alive (KCA), which was co-founded by Leigh Blake and Alicia Keys.
The World AIDS Day campaign started today in Sydney with a red-colored harbor, more than 80 iconic landmarks across 13 countries will be colored red.Alicia Keys, Lady Gaga, Kim Kardashian, Ryan Seacrest and Justin Timberlake are just a few of the celebrities that will “end their digital lives” by signing off from all social networks including Facebook and Twitter. They have pledged to not come back online until $1 million is raised for Keep a Child Alive (KCA), which was co-founded by Leigh Blake and Alicia Keys.
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