December 1st is World AIDS Day
December 1st is World AIDS Day – a day that serves to focus attention on the devastating impact HIV/AIDS has had around the world. Established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1988, World AIDS Day provides an opportunity for governments, national AIDS programs, churches, community organizations and individuals to demonstrate the importance of the fight against HIV/AIDS.
The theme of World AIDS Day 2006 is accountability and this year’s slogan is “Stop AIDS: Keep the Promise”. The message being carried out is that governments should now be in the process of setting national targets to stop the spread of the disease as called for in the 2001 Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS as well as commitments first made by the G8 leaders in 2005 to universal access to treatment by 2010. These targets will define the global response to HIV and AIDS over the next several years.
On December 1st, all government leaders are called to be accountable for the promises they have made, to set the objectives necessary to reach universal access to care, treatment and support, and to make all the necessary resources available in order to overcome the AIDS epidemic. Individuals and their communities are also asked to help increase awareness of the disease and diminish stigma.
According to a new report published by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and WHO, “AIDS Epidemic Update, December 2006,” the total number of people living with HIV in 2006 is approximately 39.5 million. In addition, in 2006, an estimated 4.3 million people were infected with HIV and approximately 2.9 million people died of AIDS – about 400.00 more than in 2004. Moreover, the report shows that in many regions of the world, new HIV infections are heavily concentrated among young people (15-24 years of age). Young people accounted for 40% of new HIV infections in 2006.
Given the current HIV infection rates among youth, it is increasingly important that schools be involved in the effort to prevent the spread of the disease and end prejudice. NSBA has recently released "Living with HIV/AIDS" which includes firsthand accounts of children and families affected by HIV/AIDS and provides recommendations for school officials and personnel as they reflect on their districts' policies and procedures regarding HIV/AIDS. On December 1st, schools are urged to promote events which increase awareness and promote understanding of HIV/AIDS. Thousands of events will be held around the world on and around that date. Some of the events are posted on the World AIDS Campaign website. In addition, the website will be providing free resources such as photos and graphics.
For additional information, please visit: http://www.worldaidsday.org/index.asp.
Source: World AIDS Day website; World AIDS Campaign website; Office of Minority Health (DHHS) website; and AIDS Epidemic update, UNAIDS and WHO, December 2006.