International Days

World AIDS Day 2018 | Themes, Activities, Significance, History & Images

Published

5 years ago

December 1, 2018

RajKumar

World AIDS Day or WAD is observed annually on December 1 to raise awareness about the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. It is also a day to show our support the people who are affected with AIDS and to mourn the people who are died of that disease. World AIDS Day is one of the eight global health campaigns organized by the WHO. The other campaigns are World Blood Donor Day (June 14), World Health Day (April 7), World Tuberculosis Day (March 24), World Immunization Week, World Malaria Day (April 25), World No Tobacco Day (May 31) and World Hepatitis Day (July 28). 2018 marks the 30th anniversary of World AIDS Day campaign. The observation of World AIDS Day involves conducting rallies and various health education programs around the world to raise awareness about the importance of Prevention and treatment of HIV infection.

World AIDS Day

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is a chronic and life-threatening condition caused by HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). It attacks our immune system and interferes with our body’s ability to fight antigens that cause diseases. WAD was first conceived in August 1987 by James W. Bunn and Thomas Netter. Then Director of the Global Programme on AIDS, Dr. Jonathan Mann approved the recommendation and the first World AIDS Day was observed on 1st December 1988.

World AIDS Day 2018 Theme

Every year, World AIDS Day campaigns focus on a specific theme highlighting the importance of the spread of HIV infection. The theme for World AIDS Day 2018 is “Know Your Status.” The theme “Know Your Status” was aimed at raising awareness about the HIV testing. HIV testing is needed for expanding treatment and ensuring that people who are affected can lead a healthy life. Stigma and discrimination still remain the biggest roadblock in HIV testing. Access to the confidential testing system still remains a challenge. Some people only get themselves testing when symptoms start to show. Hence “Know Your Status” has been created to highlight the importance of HIV testing.

World AIDS Day Themes

The themes for previous year World AIDS Day campaigns are:

1988 – Communication
1989 – Youth
1990 – Women and AIDS
1991 – Sharing the Challenge
1992 – Community Commitment
1993 – Time to Act
1994 – AIDS and the Family
1995 – Shared Rights, Shared Responsibilities
1996 – One World. One Hope.
1997 – Children Living in a World with AIDS
1998 – Force for Change: World AIDS Campaign With Young People
1999 – Listen, Learn, Live: World AIDS Campaign with Children & Young People
2000 – AIDS: Men Make a Difference
2001 – I care. Do you?
2002 – Stigma and Discrimination
2003 – Stigma and Discrimination
2004 – Women, Girls, HIV and AIDS
2005 – Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise
2006 – Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise – Accountability
2007 – Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise – Leadership
2008 – Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise – Lead – Empower – Deliver
2009 – Universal Access and Human Rights
2010 – Universal Access and Human Rights
2011 – Getting to Zero
2012 – Together we will end AIDS
2013 – Zero Discrimination
2014 – Close the gap
2015 – On the fast track to end AIDS
2016 – Hands up for #HIVprevention
2017 – My Health, My Right

World AIDS Day Symbol: A red ribbon is used to depict HIV AIDS. It is an awareness ribbon used as a logo of solidarity for the people who are battling with HIV infection. It is also used for the prevention of drug abuse and drunk driving.

World AIDS Day 2018 Symbol

How World AIDS Day is Observed?

On December 1, various health education campaigns will be conducted around the world highlighting the importance of raising awareness about the AIDS pandemic. It is also a day to educate the importance of Prevention and treatment of HIV infection. Show your support to the people who are affected with AIDS and mourn the people who are died due to HIV infection. As 2018 World AIDS Day focuses on HIV Testing, you can raise awareness among the people about the importance of HIV testing. Raise awareness on the social media’s by using the hashtags #WORLDAIDSDAY, #WAD, #WAD2018, #WORLDAIDSDAY2018 and #KNOWYOURSTATUS.