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While we remain vigilant against the next pandemic – likely to arise from a zoonotic source – the world continues to battle the HIV virus, which has taken the lives of roughly 30 million people over the past 3 decades.
Today, December 1st, is World AIDS Day which serves to draw attention to the current status of this global epidemic. The theme of this year’s observance is `Working Together for an AIDS-Free Generation’.
Thirty years into this epidemic, it would be hard to find anyone whose life hasn’t been touched in some way by this disease. According to this week’s MMWR:
In the United States, approximately 602,000 persons diagnosed with AIDS have died since the first cases were reported (3), and approximately 50,000 persons become infected with HIV each year (4). An estimated 1.1 million persons in the United States are living with HIV infection (5).
The United States government maintains an extensive AIDS/HIV information website, called AIDS.gov. Here you’ll find suggestions as to how you can help today, and every day, with the fight against AIDS and HIV.
Below you’ll find a short video produced by AIDS.Gov on World AIDS Day 2012.
For a more international perspective you may wish to visit http://www.worldaidscampaign.org/
WORLD AIDS DAY
World AIDS Day is celebrated on December 1 each year around the world. It has become one of the most recognised international health days and a key opportunity to raise awareness, commemorate those who have passed on, and celebrate victories such as increased access to treatment and prevention services.
UNAIDS took the lead on World AIDS Day campaigning from its creation until 2004. From 2004 onwards 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.
Themes run for one or two years and are not just specific to World AIDS Day. Campaigning slogans such as ‘Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise’ have been used year round to hold governments accountable for their HIV and AIDS related commitments.
History of World Aids Day
World AIDS Day Timeline : 1988 – 2011World Aids Day Publications
Publications and reports on human rights and universal access
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