December 1 - World AIDS Day: History and Traditions

World AIDS Day is celebrated annually in Russia and other countries to draw public attention to the spread of HIV infection. In 2024, it falls on a Sunday. Read about the history and significance of this day in Izvestia.

World AIDS Day - 2024: history and significance

The first official cases of AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) were recorded in 1981 in the United States. By 1982, it was recognized as a separate disease, and in 1983, scientists first identified its source, which was later named "human immunodeficiency virus" (HIV).

In 1986, the World Health Organization (WHO) began large-scale programs to study HIV and develop measures to combat its spread, and the following year declared the disease a global threat to human health.

World AIDS Day was established on the initiative of WHO with the support of the UN General Assembly. With a corresponding initiative in 1987, the staff of the program to combat the disease James Bunn and Thomas Netter. In this way they called to attract the attention of mankind to the spread of this dangerous pathology and to raise awareness about it.

Their proposal was supported by WHO - for the first time World AIDS Day was held on December 1, 1988. At that time, HIV was still poorly understood and not everyone had access to treatment. But the establishment of this date made it possible to launch a large-scale international effort to inform the population, provide infected people with therapy and protect their rights.

Since 1996, World AIDS Day has been observed under the auspices of the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). It is symbolized by the red ribbon, which was first used in 1991 as a sign of solidarity with people living with HIV and to remember the victims of the disease. Today, it is recognized worldwide and is used in various activities to combat the HIV epidemic.

Today, AIDS remains one of the most serious global challenges. Thanks to scientific advances, antiretroviral therapy allows people with human immunodeficiency virus to live a full life, and preventive measures reduce the risk of transmission. However, World AIDS Day is a reminder that the epidemic is not yet defeated. According to UNAIDS, the number of people living with HIV in 2023 was about 39.9 million. Therefore, efforts to contain it must continue.

World AIDS Day in Russia on December 1

In Russia, as part of World AIDS Day, free HIV testing is organized both in medical institutions and at mobile testing points located in public places.

Special attention is paid to information campaigns aimed at young people, telling them about the importance of safe behavior and regular testing, ways of prevention, as well as debunking myths related to HIV transmission. They include distribution of informational materials and lectures.

Many cities also organize mass actions, races, flash mobs and charity concerts to draw attention to the problem.

World AIDS Day in other countries

The international community actively celebrates World AIDS Day with the involvement of both governmental and non-governmental organizations.

Traditionally, in developed countries, especially in the USA and Europe, various conferences and forums are held on this day to discuss current issues in the fight against the epidemic, scientific and medical achievements in the field of HIV treatment, new drugs and prevention programs, as well as social aspects. Emphasis is placed on supporting new scientific research and development of innovative treatment methods.

Charity events are also organized to raise funds to support institutions providing care to people with HIV. Memorial events, such as candle-lighting and red ribbon laying, are organized in memory of those who have died of the disease.

In the countries of Africa most affected by the HIV epidemic, large-scale campaigns on testing for all comers, free distribution of condoms, as well as educational activities in crowded places are being held.

Earlier, Izvestia reported on how International Doctor's Day is celebrated in Russia and around the world.