World AIDS Day themes, The AIDS red ribbon and What can You do to support World AIDS Day?

World AIDS Day themes over the years have included:

• 2007 - Stop AIDS; Keep the Promise - Leadership

• 2006 - Stop AIDS; Keep the Promise - Accountability

• 2005 - Stop AIDS; Keep the Promise

• 2004 - Women, Girls, HIV and AIDS

• 2003 - Stigma & Discrimination

• 2002 - Stigma & Discrimination

• 2001 - I care. Do you?

• 2000 - AIDS : Men make a difference

• 1999 - Listen, Learn, Live: World AIDS Campaign with Children & Young People

• 1998 - Force for Change: World AIDS Campaign With Young People

• 1997 - Children Living in a World with AIDS

• 1996 - One World, One Hope

• 1995 - Shared Rights, Shared Responsibilities

• 1994 - AIDS & the Family

• 1993 - Act

• 1992 - Community Commitment

• 1991 - Sharing the Challenge

• 1990 - Women & AIDS

• 1989 - Youth

• 1988 - Communication

To learn more about what is happening around the world, or to list any events that you may be holding locally this World AIDS Day, please visit the WAC's events calendar.

The AIDS red ribbon

The red ribbon is an international symbol of AIDS awareness that is worn by people all year round and particularly around World AIDS Day to demonstrate care and concern about HIV and AIDS, and to remind others of the need for their support and commitment.

The red ribbon started as a "grass roots" effort; as a result there is no one official AIDS ribbon manufacturer, and many people make their own. It's easily done - just use some ordinary red ribbon and a safety pin!

What can You do to support World AIDS Day?

There are many ways in which you can support World AIDS Day. For example:

• Raise awareness of HIV and AIDS in your area

• Wear a red ribbon and ask others to do the same

• Sign up as a supporter of the Stop AIDS in Children campaign

• Protect yourself and your partners - this is the first and best way to stop the spread of HIV

• If you are worried - get tested

--
Dr Marwah