IFSW Statement on the World Aids Day, December 1
World Aids Day
The concept of a World AIDS Day (WAD) originated at the 1988 World Summit of Ministers of Health and is observed on December 1st each year, coordinated by the World AIDS campaign. WAD is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection – and 1st December 2008 marks its 20th anniversary. Since 1998, it has been taken up by governments, international organizations and charities around the world. World AIDS Day is about raising money, increasing awareness, fighting prejudice and improving education.

Efforts made to respond to the epidemic have produced some positive results; however, the latest UNAIDS report on the global AIDS epidemic indicates that the epidemic is not yet over in any part of the world. According to UNAIDS estimates, there are now 33 million people living with HIV, including 2.5 million children. During 2007 some 2.7 million people became newly infected with the virus and there were 2 million AIDS-related deaths last year. Around half of all people who become infected with HIV do so before they are 25 and are killed by AIDS before they are 35.

Each year WAD has a chosen theme and the current (2007/08) theme is “leadership”, promoted with the campaigning slogan, “Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise.” Building on the 2006 theme of accountability, leadership highlights the importance of power and authority to make a difference, leading by action and example. This involves all sectors of society, from government to civil society, taking concrete action in solidarity with all people committed to reaching universal access for HIV prevention, treatment and care.
IFSW supports the objectives of World AIDS Day and social workers worldwide both initiate and participate in local campaigns and awareness-raising activities to tackle the spread of HIV and AIDS.

Statement prepared by Nigel Hall, IFSW Representative to Sage Publications and Editor
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page last updated on 05.12.2008