World AIDS day is celebrated on 1^st December every year so that the entire world unites to give hope back to the AIDS affected people. AIDS has become a global killer and the first day of the month of December is celebrated to raise awareness among people. This is also done to show support and concern for the people affected and living with HIV. 

Numerous activities are carried out by medical students and other young and old people who are concerned to increase awareness among common people. Lectures are held, exhibitions and charity concerns are held and condoms and pamphlets are distributed. Experts are of the opinion that elders should talk openly about puberty, growing up and safe sex.

Theme of World AIDS Day 2011 

The theme of the World AIDS Day 2011 is ‘Getting to Zero’. This means zero new HIV cases, no discrimination and no more AIDS related deaths. This was not so easy because AIDS started spreading like an epidemic only few decades back. Initially it seemed uncontrollable and out of control until the cause and preventions were found out.

Zero AIDS Related Death – This will be achieved when access to treatment for everyone will be given and this comes under fundamental human right to health and access. This includes even food that is needed along with treatment and medication.

Zero New Infections – When people will be aware of how to prevent getting infected by HIV, they will certainly take all necessary precautions. Doctors consider multiple partner syndrome as a suicidal behaviour. It is time one understands the value of relationship and love. Also, having safer sex is extremely important. This can also be achieved by maximising media messaging throughout the world.

Zero Stigma and Discrimination – The most noticeable hindrances in spread of awareness about HIV are stigma and discrimination. The people who are suffering from HIV find discrimination more piercing than the suffering due to disease. The main reason is that people still think that this disease affects a certain class of people. In fact, there are many ways in which one can get affected by HIV.

So, it is not just the responsibility of the government or non-government agencies to support and raise awareness. Common people should also get a little bit matured and show their complete support for the campaign accepted worldwide.

The health center has a critical role to play. There should be universal access to key HIV services. This is possible only when human rights of everyone are protected and promoted and this needs to be done everywhere in the world. It is important for all sectors to protect human rights and fight discrimination.

What Can I Do on World AIDS Day? 

You can wear the red ribbon, which is a symbol of AIDS awareness, all the year round or at least on the World AIDS Day. There is no official or typical way to make red ribbon. You can easily make by using ordinary red ribbon and a safety pin. If you want to go a step ahead, participate in one of your local events or organise your own.

You can also raise money for the cause which would be made use for the treatment, medication and food of the people affected by HIV. There are many people who are affected by this syndrome and at the same time face poverty, stigma and lack of minimal healthcare. You can move forward to help them in whatever form you can.

These are just few suggestions. You can use your mind and imagination and support the campaign as far as you can so that the theme of ‘getting to zero’ is achieved faster.