World AIDS Day, observed December 1 each year,
is dedicated to raising awareness of the global AIDS pandemic
caused by the spread of HIV infection. AIDS has killed more than 25
million people, making it one of the most destructive epidemics in
recorded history. Despite recent, improved access to antiretroviral
treatment and care in many regions of the world, the AIDS epidemic
claimed an estimated 3.1 million (between 2.8 and 3.6 million)
lives in 2005 of which, more than half a million (570,000) were
children.
The concept of a World AIDS Day originated at the 1988 World Summit
of Ministers of Health on Programmes for AIDS Prevention. Since
then, it has been taken up by governments, international
organizations and charities around the world.
From 1988 to 2004, the World AIDS Day was organized by UNAIDS, who,
after consultation with other organizations, chose a theme. In 2005
UNAIDS handed over responsibility for World AIDS Day to The World
AIDS Campaign (WAC), an independent organisation. For 2005, they
chose Stop AIDS: Keep the Promise as the theme for World AIDS days
through to 2010. This theme is not specific to World AIDS Day but
also to the work WAC does throughout the year. The student element
of the campaign, the Student Stop AIDS Campaign (SSAC), is a key
part of increasing awareness among young people across the
UK.
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