Basic Information
World AIDS Day is observed on December 1 to raise awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection.
Observed on: 1 December
Organized by: UN, WHO
Introduced in: 1988
Observed: Worldwide
About World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day is observed annually on 1 December to focus on issues surrounding HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). This Day is observed with an aim to raise awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection.
World AIDS day was first conceived in August 1987 by James W. Bunn and Thomas Netter, two public information officers for the Global Program on AIDS at the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland. The day was first observed on 1 December 1988.
The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) became operational in 1996, and it took over the planning and promotion of World AIDS Day. World AIDS Campaign became an independent organization in 2004.
This Day is observed every year with a theme chosen by World AIDS Campaign’s Global Steering Committee after extensive consultation with people, organizations and government agencies involved in the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS.
World AIDS Day is one of eight official global public health campaigns marked by the World Health Organization (WHO). Other days are World Health Day, World Blood Donor Day, World Immunization Week, World Tuberculosis Day, World No Tobacco Day, World Malaria Day, and World Hepatitis Day.
The day is observed with an aim to give more knowledge and understanding about HIV/AIDS. By this knowledge (how HIV is transmitted, how it can be prevented, and the reality of living with HIV today) one can take care of their own health and the health of others, and ensure to treat everyone living with HIV fairly, and with respect and understanding.
Activities and Programs on World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day is observed by Governments, health officials, government and non government organizations, institutes, and workers with different programs. Some of the programs include speeches, rallies, meetings, forums, discussions, workshops, etc.
On this day people wear red ribbon which is an international symbol of AIDS awareness to demonstrate care and concern about HIV and AIDS as well as to remind others of the need for their support and commitment. The red ribbon is a symbol of awareness, solidarity and a reminder of those we have lost.
A campaign called Getting to Zero was started in the year 2011 focusing on achieving 3 targets: Zero new HIV infections, Zero discrimination and Zero AIDS-related deaths.
Theme for World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day 2020 Theme is “Ending the HIV/AIDS Epidemic: Resilience and Impact”
World AIDS Day 2019 Theme was “Communities make the difference“
AIDS Day 2018 Theme was “Know Your Status“
2017 Theme: My Health, My Right
2016 Theme: Hands up for #HIVprevention
2015 Theme: On the fast track to end AIDS
2014 Theme: Close the gap
2013 Theme: Zero Discrimination
2012 Theme: Together we will end AIDS
2011 Theme: Getting to Zero
2010 Theme: Universal Access & Human Rights
2009 Theme: Universal Access and Human Rights
2008 Theme: Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise – Lead – Empower – Deliver
2007 Theme: Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise – Leadership
2006 Theme: Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise – Accountability
2005 Theme: Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise
2004 Theme: Women, Girls, HIV and AIDS
2002 Theme: Stigma and Discrimination
2001 Theme: I Care. Do you?
2000 Theme: AIDS: Men Make a Difference
1999 Theme: Listen, Learn, Live: World AIDS Campaign with Children & Young People
1998 Theme: Force for Change: World AIDS Campaign With Young People
1997 Theme: Children Living in a World with AIDS
1996 Theme: One World. One Hope
1995 Theme: Shared Rights, Shared Responsibilities
1994 Theme: AIDS and the Family
1993 Theme: Act
1992 Theme: Community Coomitment
1991 Theme: Sharing the Challenge
1990 Theme: Women and AIDS
1989 Theme: Youth
1988 Theme: Communication