World Aids Day

Posted by Njina Grant on December 1st, 2006 No Comments Printer-Friendly

World AIDS Day, observed December 1 each year, is dedicated to raising awareness of the global AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. Since the first cases of Aids at the beginning of the 1980s, it has killed more than 25 million people, making it one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history.
Despite recent, improved access to antiretroviral treatment and care in many regions of the world, the AIDS epidemic claimed an estimated 3.1 million (between 2.8 and 3.6 million) lives in 2005 of which, more than half a million (570,000) were children. Africa is without doubt the region most affected by the virus. Inhabited by just over 12% of the world’s population, Africa is estimated to have more than 60% of the AIDS-infected population.
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The concept of a World AIDS Day originated at the 1988 World Summit of Ministers of Health on Programmes for AIDS Prevention. Since then, it has been taken up by governments, international organizations and charities around the world. The red ribbon is a global symbol for solidarity with HIV-positive people and those living with AIDS. There has been a yearly theme for World Aids Day, 2006 being ‘Stop Aids. Keep the promise- Accountability’.
National infection rates for HIV
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Making a Difference
One of the most notable charities for Aids is Product Red, which was launched January 2006; an initiative started by U2 rock singer Sonny Bono and Bobby Shriver of Debt AIDS Trade in Africa (DATA) to raise money for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Bobby Shriver has been announced as the CEO of Product Red, whilst Bono is currently an active public spokesperson for the brand. Product Red is a brand which is licensed to partner companies such as American Express, Apple Computer, Converse, Motorola, The Gap and Giorgio Armani, where all purchases of the Red Products give a small percentage of the profits to help fight Aids in Africa.
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One particular newspaper, U.K.s Independent has also been involved with Product Red on two occasions; Bono edits the UK’s Independent newspaper for the day, featuring a distinct red print and The Independent printed its second Product Red special edition, guest-designed by Giorgio Armani. This Red edition includes articles from a host of public figures and celebrities including George Clooney, Bill Gates, Leonardo DiCaprio and Beyoncé.
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World Aids Day: Jamaica


This year promises to be massively productive and pro-active to further the fight of the Aids epidemic and will certainly set the pace for 2007. The continuation of world awareness to the epidemic and constant financial support for medication and treatments is one of the main steps in tackling the disease. Efforts are being geared towards World AIDS Day activities on December 1 to encourage sexually active persons to get tested for the deadly disease. This year’s theme ‘Stop AIDS. Keep the promise - Go get tested’- is aimed at encouraging persons to know their HIV status in order to receive treatment, if necessary.
Activities leading up to World AIDS Day will begin tomorrow with HIV testing and displays at Portland Cottage in Clarendon, and continue with activities such as church services, educational sessions and health fairs.
The national event will be hosted at Emancipation Park in Kingston on World AIDS Day, 10:00 a.m.- 7:00 p.m.

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