World AIDS Day is held on 1 December every year, giving opportunity to people to collaborate in the fight against HIV and to remember people who have died from the disease. World AIDS Day is the first global health day; it was first marked in 1988.
This day is very important because currently an estimated 34million have HIV and more than 35million have died from the virus, which makes it one of the most destructive pandemics in history. This day is also important because it reminds governments and the public that HIV is not yet gone.
In recent times, many advancements have been made in HIV treatment and there are laws as well protecting people living with HIV. It is expected that everyone living with HIV be treated fairly, without any form of discrimination or stigmatisation.
Wearing the red ribbon is a sign of support for the fight against HIV in the world. Organising events on this day to raise money to support people living with the virus is also usually a welcomed practice.
