Shillong, Dec 1: World AIDS Day is being observed globally on Friday. This day is observed every year on Dec 1 since 1998. It is an international day dedicated to raising awareness about one of the most fatal diseases- AIDS. It is caused by the spread of HIV infection and is a life-threatening condition.
Every year, on this day, people come together in unity as one voice to show their support for people living with the condition and to remember those who lost their lives to AIDS.
World Aids Day: History
This day (World Aids Day) was first ideated in August 1987 by James Bunn and Thomas Netter. These two were then the public information officers for the Global Programme on aids at the WHO. Following which it was solidified in an international day of observance on 1 Dec 1988.
The choice of December 1 for observing World AIDS Day was intentional, strategically positioned to receive optimal coverage from Western news media. This date, scheduled shortly after the US elections and just before the Christmas holidays, is aimed at ensuring widespread attention to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS.
Since then, every year on this day, Popes releases greetings message for patients and doctors on World AIDS Day.
World AIDS Day 2023: Significance
It must be noted that World AIDS Day is one out of the eleven official global public health campaigns marked by the World Health Organisation (WHO). AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)- a medical condition caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
What is HIV?
HIV targets the patient’s immune system, diminishing its ability to resist other diseases. On World AIDS Day, government and health officials, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and individuals worldwide strive to educate people on AIDS prevention and control.
World AIDS Day 2023: Theme
This year’s theme for World AIDS Day is “World AIDS Day 35: Remember and Commit.”
Read: Free Cancer screening camp organised in Tura, offers hope for early detection and treatment
WATCH:
Find latest news from every corner of Northeast India at hubnetwork.in, your online source for breaking news, video coverage.
Also, Follow us on-
Twitter-twitter.com/nemediahub
Youtube channel- www.youtube.com/@NortheastMediaHub2020
Instagram- www.instagram.com/nemediahub
