Related special on the World AIDS Day 2004>>>

World AIDS Day is marked every year on December 1. Its aim is to raise awareness and to call for measures to prevent the spread of the killer disease. A wide range of events are held to symbolize the progress made and to bring into focus the challenges which remain.

HIV/AIDS is probably the most serious public health problem facing the world today. First discovered in 1981, AIDS is now spreading at an alarming rate around the globe. Today, over 33 million people worldwide are infected with the HIV virus.

In response to growing international concern over the spread of the epidemic and in recognition of its international character, a unique summit of health ministers from over 140 countries and regions was held in London in January 1988. In its resolution, World AIDS Day-- the first international health day, was initiated, and falls every year on December 1.

Because of the epidemics devastating impact on all aspects of human life and on social and economic development, greater coordination was needed to maximize the impact of UN efforts in fighting this virus. The Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS, or UNAIDS, thus began its mission in 1996.

World AIDS Day has now become an annual event in most countries. It is a time for people to appreciate, understand and acknowledge the danger that HIV/AIDS poses to humanity, and the extent to which it has spread around the world. It is also a call for people everywhere to show solidarity, support and sympathy for the many victims of AIDS worldwide.

Editor: Catherine