World AIDS Day, observed yearly on December 1, is one of the eleven official globally observed public health campaigns marked by the World Health Organization (WHO). It is observed by all United Nations (UN) Member States. HIV strikes the immune system of a human and lessens its resistance to other diseases. The red ribbon is the worldwide symbol for backing HIV-positive people and those residing with AIDS. The day was first observed 35 years ago in 1988.
World AIDS Day 2023
World AIDS Day is a global day dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic as a result of the spread of HIV infection and grieving those who have died of the disease. Government and non-governmental organizations, health officials, and individuals around the world observe the day with a view to AIDS prevention and control. This year, World AIDS Day will be observed on Friday, 1 December 2023.
History of World AIDS Day
International AIDS Day was first envisioned in August 1987 by Thomas Netter and James W. Bunn. They are two public information officers for the Global Programme on AIDS at the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland. Netter and Bunn put up with their concept to Dr Jonathan Mann, Director of the Global Programme on AIDS (now: UNAIDS). Mann appreciated the idea, endorsed it, and approved the proposal that the first observance of World AIDS Day should be on 1 December 1988.
The President of the United States has brought in an official statement for Global AIDS Day since 1993. On 30 November 2017, former President Donald Trump declared World AIDS Day on the first of December.
World AIDS Day Theme 2023
All the International AIDS Day campaigns emphasize a distinctive theme. It is always chosen after consultations with WHO, UNAIDS, and an enormous number of national, international, and grassroots agencies involved in the deterrence and treatment of HIV/AIDS.
Since 2008, every year's theme has been preferred by the Global Steering Committee of the World AIDS Campaign (WAC). World AIDS Day 2022 was marked under the theme "Equalize" and for 2023, the theme is "LET COMMUNITIES LEAD".
World AIDS Day Activities
A preliminary objective of International AIDS Day activities is the diffusion of data. Many countries initiate and organize their individual agendas and some countries create weeklong campaigns. In the United States, the president delivers an annual declaration, while in other countries, such as South Africa, Brunei, and Bermuda, health ministers produce annual speeches drawing awareness to AIDS nervousness.
Usually, AIDS Day activities include rallies, concerts, commemorations for those who have died from AIDS, discussions, and seminars. A significant international symbol of AIDS Day is the red ribbon, worn as a demonstration of dedication to combating AIDS. In the USA, a symbol for remembering those who have died of AIDS is the AIDS Memorial Quilt, departments of which are manifested in various cities and towns across the states.
World AIDS Day Quotes
Here we have compiled some HIV/AIDS Quotes that you can share with your loved ones to raise awareness about the deadly disease:
"In strictly medical terms, there's no difference between HIV and diabetes; they're not curable, but they're very, very highly treatable, and early information is power. The only thing - literally the only thing - that is different is the stigma. And we have to overcome it, because it is now the only reason people are dying." --David Furnish
"Leaders in all spheres who are living with HIV should be encouraged, not coerced, to lead by example and disclose their HIV status. " --Nelson Mandela
I enjoy being the messenger for God in terms of letting people know about HIV and AIDS. -- Magic Johnson
"HIV's never been proven to cause AIDS. HIV ain't ever killed anybody." --Tommy Morrison
"I'm not cured, but the HIV is asleep deep in my body." -- Magic Johnson
"HIV does not make people dangerous to know, so you can shake their hands and give them a hug: Heaven knows they need it."--Princess Diana
"Everyone should be tested. Whenever they have a check-up, they should test for HIV, because if we can get to a point in our society where everyone is automatically tested, nobody will fall through the net." -- David Furnish
"When World AIDS Day was first observed in 1988, there was no truly effective treatment for what was almost always a deadly disease." -- Bernie Sanders
"Because of the lack of education on AIDS, discrimination, fear, panic, and lies surrounded me." -- Ryan White
"I felt like calling attention to AIDS. I had the AIDS ribbon colored into my hair during the playoffs in '95." -- Dennis Rodman
In the concluding section, we can say that World AIDS Day is observed on the 1st of December to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and stand with the people living with the disease. There are certain things you can follow to avoid this deadly virus.