The United Nations (UN)’s World Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Day is annually observed across the globe on 1 December to raise awareness about AIDS and to unite people across the globe to show support for people living with AIDS and affected by Human Immunodeficiency Viruses (HIV).
1 December 2023, marks the 35th anniversary of World AIDS Day,
The theme of World AIDS Day 2023 is, “Let Communities Lead.”
- The theme highlights that World AIDS Day is not just about commemorating the achievements of communities; it is a call to action to enable and support communities in their leadership roles.
UNAIDS, the UN program on HIV/AIDS took the lead in campaigning for World AIDS Day since its creation in 2004.
- Since 2004, the World AIDS Campaign’s Global Steering Committee, in collaboration with civil society, organizations, and government agencies, chooses a theme for World AIDS Day.
Symbol – Red Ribbon:
iThe red ribbon has become an internationally recognized symbol of solidarity and support for people living with HIV and for AIDS awareness.
ii.The colour red was chosen for its, “connection to blood and the idea of passion. The project was to become known as the Red Ribbon Project.
Significance:
i.World AIDS Day serves as an opportunity for global reflection, assessing steps made and challenges that remain to achieve the goals of ending AIDS by 2030.
ii.The 2023 observance emphasises that Community-led organizations are at the forefront of the battle against HIV.
Background:
i.Founded in 1988, World AIDS Day was the first-ever international day for global health.
ii.The concept of World AIDS Day was first conceived in August 1987, by James W Bunn and Thomas Netter, two public information officers for the Global programme on AIDS at the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva, Switzerland.
What is HIV/AIDS?
i.HIV is an infection that attacks the body’s immune system. AIDS is the most advanced stage of the disease.
ii.HIV targets the body’s white blood cells, weakening the immune system. It is spread from the body fluids of an infected person.
- It can also spread from a mother to her baby.
iii.HIV can be treated and prevented with antiretroviral therapy (ART). Untreated HIV can progress to AIDS, often after many years.
UNAIDS Report 2023- Let Communities Lead:
UNAIDS released the World AIDS Day Report 2023, titled “Let Communities Lead”, and reveals that the world can end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, but only if communities are fully included and are sufficiently funded to lead the way.
Click to learn about the report in brief
Key Facts:
By 2025, 95% of all people living with HIV (PLHIV) should have a diagnosis, 95% of those should be taking lifesaving Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) and 95% of PLHIV on treatment should achieve a suppressed viral load for the benefit of the person’s health and for reducing onward HIV transmission.
2023 Events:
On World AIDS Day 2023, WHO celebrated and recognised the invaluable contributions of communities in leading the response to HIV with a Commemoration event: Celebrating the power of communities leading the response to HIV in Geneva, Switzerland.
About UNAIDS:
Executive Director– Winnie Byanyima
Headquarters– Geneva, Switzerland
Started Operations in 1996
