World AIDS Day is observed on December 1 each year, spreading awareness about the disease and reminding people and governments that HIV remains a problem.
People around the world have an opportunity to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to remember those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses.
The day is also observed to raise funds for scientific research that can help to find a cure for the disease and save countless lives from misery and suffering.
In addition to raising money, increasing awareness, combating prejudice, and improving education on World AIDS Day, it reminds the public and government that HIV hasn’t gone away.
World AIDS Day 2022 theme
The theme of World AIDS Day 2022 is Equalize. As HIV continues to affect millions of people worldwide, the global HIV response is in danger. There has been a slowdown in progress toward HIV goals over the last few years, and resources have shrunk, putting millions of lives at risk.
World AIDS Day history
As a way to unite the forces fighting AIDS worldwide, World AIDS Day was first observed in 1988. James W. Bunn and Thomas Netter were the first to observe the pandemic and spread awareness about it.
It was in 1982 that the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) caused South Africa’s first case of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
The spread of AIDS does not occur through
- Inhaling or drinking the same air or water.
- A mosquito, tick, or other insects may act as a vector.
- An HIV-positive person’s saliva, tears, or sweat. That is not mixed with their blood.
- Engaging in handshakes, kisses, hugging, sharing toilets, dishes, silverware, or drinking glasses.
- Sexual activities that do not involve the exchange of bodily fluids.
