What is World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day is observed every year on December 1. This worldwide effort is designed to: encourage public support and programming to prevent the spread of HIV infection; provide awareness and education about HIV/AIDS; and demonstrate compassion for those infected or affected by HIV.
World AIDS Day was first observed in 1988 after a summit of health ministers from around the world called for a spirit of social tolerance and a greater exchange of information on HIV/AIDS. Each year, a theme is chosen for World AIDS Day to unite the global effort to face the challenges of the AIDS pandemic. In 1996, UNAIDS was created to unite 6 global agencies in their response to HIV/AIDS. Today, UNAIDS has designated the organization, World AIDS Campaign, to oversee World AIDS Day.
Relevant information is available to decision-makers at all levels of the public health system. As
every disease problem or health event requires a different response and policy decision, information must be available that reflects a realistic assessment of the situation at local, national and global levels. This must be done with best available data and taking into consideration disease transmission dynamics
