Every year, December 1 is World AIDS Day. It is observed to show support to HIV-positive people and pay tribute to AIDS patients. The first international day of health was World AIDS Day, which was established in 1988. The day encourages people to come together to eliminate the inequalities that prevent HIV testing, prevention, or access to care.
Each year, civil society, governments and UN affiliates come together to support campaigns that focus on HIV-related issues. It is therefore important to understand the significance of this day as well as this year’s theme.
World AIDS Day 2022 History
In 1987, World AIDS Day was established. This day is celebrated to encourage information sharing among local and national governments, international organizations, individuals, and other interested parties about HIV and AIDS. Two public information officers, James W. Bunn (from the World Health Organization) and Thomas Netter (from the World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland, conceived it. UNAIDS (the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS), has been responsible for organizing and publicizing the event since 1996. On November 30, 2017, President Donald Trump declared that December 1 is World Aids Day.
World AIDS Day 2022 – Significance
At the end of 2021, 38.4 millions people were living with HIV. Two-thirds (25.6 million) of these people are in the WHO African Region. Over 4,139 people in the UK are diagnosed with HIV each year. Many people with HIV are still subject to stigmatization and discrimination.
World AIDS Day is important because it reminds both the public and government that this is a serious issue that needs urgent funding, awareness, and better educational opportunities.
World AIDS Day 2022 – Theme
The World AIDS Day theme this year is “Equalize”. UNAIDS says it means that everyone should strive to eradicate injustices that hinder the fight against AIDS. This year’s theme is just one of many.
