December 1, 2011 World AIDS Day was created in 1988 as an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate those who have died. World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day, designated by the United Nations and other global health agencies. Since World AIDS Day was created, there has now been World Malaria Day, World TB Day, and World Pneumonia Day.
World AIDS Day serves as a reminder that an estimated 33.3 million people worldwide are currently living with HIV — more than 90,000 in the UK alone. Today groups around the world are raising awareness about the virus. Even some of the world's big name fashion retailers, like Gap and Nike, are raising money for the ongoing fight by releasing special clothing items.
More than 25 million people between 1981 and 2007 have died from the virus, one of the most destructive pandemics in history. This 23rd annual World AIDS Day coincides with the launch of a new global campaign theme, "Getting to Zero: Zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS-related deaths." People around the world are recognizing World AIDS Day. Here's our roundup of events around the globe: ...
