The United Nations(UN)’s World Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) Day is annually observed across the globe on 1st December to create awareness about AIDS and to unite people across the globe to show support the people living with AIDS and affected by HIV(Human Immunodeficiency Virus).
- UNAIDS – United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS leads the campaigning for World AIDS Day since its creation in 2004.
The theme of World AIDS Day 2022 is “Equalize”.
- The ‘Equalize’ slogan calls to action and promotes all to work for proven practical actions needed to address inequalities and help end AIDS.
Note: Since 2004, the World AIDS Campaign’s Global Steering Committee began selecting a theme for World AIDS Day in consultation with civil society, organisations and government agencies involved in the AIDS response.
Universal Symbol: The Red ribbon is the universal symbol of AIDS awareness and support for people living with HIV.
Background:
World AIDS Day, the first-ever international day for global health, was founded in 1988.
- The idea of World AIDS day was first formulated in August 1987 by James W. Bunn and Thomas Netter, Public information officers for the “Global Programme on AIDS” at the World Health Organization(WHO) in Geneva, Switzerland.
Significance:
WHO calls on global leaders and citizens to recognise and address the inequalities that obstruct progress in ending AIDS and equalize access to essential HIV services, particularly for key populations, Gays, people who use drugs, sex workers, prisoners and migrants and their partners.
UNAIDS report 2022 – Dangerous Inequalities:
The UNAIDS released its World AIDS Day Report 2022 – “Dangerous Inequalities”, an analysis by the UN ahead of World AIDS Day 2022 states that inequalities are obstructing the efforts to end AIDS.
- The report also shows that actions against inequalities can get the AIDS response on the track.
- The report highlights the impacts on the AIDS response of gender inequalities, inequalities faced by key populations, and of inequalities between children and adults.
Other Reports:
- 4th edition of Sankalak (2022): Flagship report of NACP which shows the status of National AIDS response in the country. It contains programmatic and epidemic data and factsheets at both National and State/UT level.
- Three Surveillance & Epidemiology Reports: These are technical reports made in line with globally accepted model-based estimation methodology and processes.
- HIV Sentinel Surveillance Plus 2021- Antenatal Clinic Attendees
- HIV Sentinel Surveillance Plus 2021- Central Prison Sites
- India HIV Estimates – 2021
- White paper on Transgender Health: intends to strengthen promotion of comprehensive health services for Transgender persons along with providing enabling environment.
- Release of Prevention Progress Report 2021-22: an update report on progress and important activities for provision of services to High-Risk Groups (HRGs), Bridge populations and other vulnerable populations under NACP.
- National Digital Repository: It is a digital hub where all IEC resource materials related to HIV and AIDS will be available for the common public.
- National Data Hub of NACO: A central digital repository for key reports, documents and all approved data of NACO for internal use.
- Campaign on Stigma and Discrimination: A countrywide campaign (#AbNahiChalega) is being launched for elimination of HIV-related Stigma and discrimination among people.
USAID:
UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations, UNHCR(UN Refugee Agency), UNICEF(United Nations Children’s Fund), WFP (UN World Food Programme), UNDP(United Nations Development Programme), UNFPA(United Nations Population Fund), UNODC(United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime), UN Women, ILO(International Labour Organization), UNESCO(United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), WHO and the World Bank.
- Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway is the International Goodwill Ambassador for UNAIDS.
About UNAIDS – United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS:
Executive Director– Winnie Byanyima
Headquarters– Geneva, Switzerland
