AIDS has killed more than 25 million people over the past 20 years. It is not a virus that discriminates. It is one of the biggest public health issues the world has seen and threatens men, women and children living in all corners of the globe.
World AIDS Day was first introduced on 1st December 1988 to increase awareness of HIV and AIDS, improve education, fight prejudice, and raise funds for HIV and AIDS projects across the world. The event, which is held on 1st December each year, provides an opportunity for individuals, communities, NGOs, and governments to come together and tackle the issue together.
This year’s official theme is “Getting to Zero.” Zero New HIV Infections; Zero Discrimination and Zero AIDS Related Deaths.
The theme for the IHIVF this year is a focus on the impact of poverty on communities affected by HIV.
Poverty plays a significant role in lives of many people living with HIV. Without an income – millions cannot access life saving drugs or support and counselling, which can help them live their daily lives. In Sub-Saharan Africa and in Asia, over 800 million people live in abject poverty and destitution (UNFAO, 2011).
For World AIDS Day we will have a variety of blogs and videos exploring the affects of poverty on people living with HIV.
Stay tuned!
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