Started on 1st December 1988, World AIDS Day is about raising money, increasing awareness, fighting prejudice and improving education. World AIDS Day is important for reminding people that HIV has not gone away, and that there are many things still to be done.
According to UNAIDS estimates, there are now 34 million people living with HIV. During 2010 some 2.7 million people became newly infected with the virus, including an estimated 390,000 children. Despite a significant decline in the estimated number of AIDS-related deaths over the last five years, there were still an estimated 1.8 million AIDS-related deaths in 2010.1
The vast majority of people with HIV and AIDS live in low- and middle-income countries. But HIV today is a threat to men, women and children on all continents around the world.
back to top World AIDS Day video: Universal Access
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Watch our video explaining why universal access to HIV prevention, treatment and care is the key to ending the global AIDS epidemic.
If you wish to watch an offline version of this video then you can download it in standard definition or high definition.
back to top World AIDS Day theme
The theme for World AIDS Day 2011 is 'Getting to Zero'. After 30 years of the global fight against HIV/AIDS, this year the global community has committed to focusing on achieving 3 targets:
"Zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS-related deaths".2
In 2010, there were 2.7 million new HIV infections and 1.8 million people died from AIDS.3 Moreover, in 2011 people living with HIV were still subject to restrictions on their travel and/or stay in 47 countries, territories and areas.
As AVERT.org shows, the global HIV epidemic is extremely diverse, with both similarities and differences between regions, countries, provinces and communities. However, in order to meet the challenge of 'Getting to Zero' the global community must work together to achieve universal access to HIV prevention, treatment and care.
World AIDS Day provides an opportunity for all of us - individuals, communities and political leaders - to take on the challenge of getting to zero.
back to top What can I do? - Wear a red ribbon and raise awareness
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; as a result there is no one official AIDS ribbon manufacturer, and many people make their own. It's easily done - just use some ordinary red ribbon and a safety pin!
If you want to take your awareness raising a step further then try finding a local event to take part in. Around the world there are hundreds of activities taking place to mark World AIDS Day, including candlelight vigils, art shows, marches and religious services. If you can't find anything in your area then why not organise an event yourself?
back to top What can I do? - Raise money for AVERT
AVERT has AIDS projects in the parts of the world most severely affected by HIV and AIDS. Many of the people affected by HIV/AIDS in these areas are also dealing with other challenges such as extreme poverty, stigma and lack of healthcare. Our work tackles a range of issues such as education, treatment and care. The projects also aim to help the children orphaned or otherwise affected by HIV and AIDS.
There are LOADS of different ways you can support our projects by fundraising for AVERT. Here are just a few ideas:
- Sponsored events – Walking, running, sponsored silence, reading or, if you fancy something more high octane, how about a sky dive or a bungee jump?
- Organise an event – Office fun day, jumble sale, cake sale, coffee morning, football tournament, concert, poetry night or dance.
- Other ideas – Kick a bad habit (e.g. smoking), give up something you love for a month (e.g. TV, chocolate or alcohol!), shave your head, organise a car wash, pub quiz, or auction of people's time and skills.
These are just a few suggestions but you can let your imagination run wild to think of other ideas!
To read more information on raising money for AVERT, find sponsorship forms or make a donation, please go to our fundraising page. You can also see how your money will help by looking at our international HIV/AIDS projects.
Where Next?
AVERT.org has more about:
References back to top
- UNAIDS (2011) 'World AIDS Day Report 2011'
- UNAIDS (2011) 'World AIDS Day 2011'
- UNAIDS (2011) 'World AIDS Day Report 2011'
