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