History of World Aids Day
The idea of World AIDS day started in August 1987. James Bunn and Thomas Netter, who were public information officers for the Global Programme on AIDS which was part of the World Health Organisation.
It was decide that for the idea to be successful the Western media would have to cover any events which took place. So the 1st of December 1988 was chosen as the first World AIDS day. The reason being that it was after the US Presidential elections and the media houses would be searching for a fresh story. If there was extensive coverage of the event, the public would be further educated about the dangers of the virus.
The idea was a success and in the ensuing years it has become more and more popular. With infection rates dropping internationally, it would appear that education has improved and people are paying attention to their A(bstinence)B(e faithful)C(ondomise)s.
World Aids Day has also had a yearly theme.
1988 Communication
1989 Youth
1990 Women and AIDS
1991 Sharing the Challenge
1992 Community Commitment
1993 Act
1994 AIDS and the Family
1995 Shared Rights, Shared Responsibilities
1996 One World. One Hope
1997 Children Living in a World with AIDS
1998 Force for Change: World AIDS Campaign With Young People
1999 Listen, Learn, Live: World AIDS Campaign with Children & Young People
2000 AIDS: Men Make a Difference
2001 I care. Do you?
2002 Stigma and Discrimination
2003 Stigma and Discrimination
2004 Women, Girls, HIV and AIDS
2005 Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise
2006 Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise - Accountability
2007 Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise - Leadership
2008 Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise - Lead - Empower - Deliver
2009 Universal Access and Human Rights
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