In communities large and small around the globe World AIDS Day is being marked on Monday 1 December with vigils, seminars and a growing concern over the rising number of new HIV/AIDS infections. 

The UK theme for World AIDS Day 2009 will focus on the reality of HIV in the UK today. The aim is to present true, and sometimes surprising, accounts of how HIV affects people in the UK and to dispel myths and misinformation.

The estimates show that more than 80,000 people are now living with HIV in the UK, of these around 25,000 people  - that's nearly 1 in 3 -  are unaware of their infection in the UK.

7,740 people have so far been reported as newly diagnosed with HIV during 2007 – the final figure may be higher.

Figures from August 2008 show that there are were 2.7 million total new cases of HIV reported globally  with 2 million deaths across the world due to AIDS. There are now 33 million people worldwide living with HIV.

The only way we can stop the disease spreading is by creating a more AIDS Aware society in which everyone takes action, hence World AIDS day.

What is the purpose of World AIDS Day?
World AIDS Day is now in its 22 year. This first international health day was the result of a summit of health ministers who met in London in January 1988. They realised that a united global effort was required to halt the spread of HIV and AIDS. The 1st theme was 'Join the Worldwide Effort'.

The aim of World AIDS Day is to bring to people's attention the worldwide challenges and consequences of the epidemic in order to create change. Each year has been an opportunity to highlight the ways in which different groups of people are affected by HIV, whether it's 'Women and AIDS' (1990), 'Children Living in a World with AIDS' (1997), 'Men Make a Difference' (2000), 'Do You Have Time?' (first UK theme 2004), ‘Everyone Can Do Something to make a Difference’ (2005), 'Wise Up. Wear It. Where's Yours?’ (2006), 'Understanding Through Communication’ (2007) and last year's 'Respect and Protect'.

What is the theme?
The UK theme for World AIDS Day 2009 is HIV Reality: Discover real stories about HIV in the UK. Understanding the facts is the key to fighting prejudice and protecting yourself and others

NAT’s research has shown that public knowledge of HIV in the UK is declining and there is evidence of a worrying lack of understanding about HIV and its relevance in a UK context. For people to respect and protect themselves and others, they need to understand the facts and reality of HIV in the UK.

Why do people wear red ribbons to mark World AIDS Day?
The red ribbon is worn as a sign of support for people living with HIV. Wearing a red ribbon for World AIDS Day is a simple and powerful way to challenge the stigma and prejudice surrounding HIV and AIDS that prevents us from tackling HIV in the UK and internationally.

The red ribbon has been an international symbol of AIDS awareness since 1991. The Red Ribbon Project was created by the New York based organisation Visual AIDS, which brought together artists to create a symbol of support for the growing number of people living with HIV in the US.

The red ribbon is the result of collaboration between community artists who wanted to create a non-copyrighted image that could be used as an awareness-raising tool by people across the world.

Why is HIV an issue in the UK?
There are 80,000 people living with HIV in the UK and 20 people are newly diagnosed with HIV every day. The number of new HIV diagnoses every year has doubled since 1998. Yet despite rising numbers of people diagnosed, awareness of how HIV is transmitted is lower than it was five years ago and one in three people living with HIV are unaware they are infected.

In addition there are still vulnerable groups who cannot access free treatment, putting their health and lives at risk.

People living with HIV still experience discrimination, and silence around HIV hamper efforts to prevent the spread of the virus. Greater efforts and increased funding are urgently needed to raise awareness and improve prevention of HIV in the UK.

Who is most at risk of HIV in the UK?
Both gay men and African born people in the UK are disproportionately affected by HIV. Infections among heterosexuals and intravenous drug-users are also beginning to increase.

What is the National AIDS Trust role in World AIDS Day?
The National AIDS Trust has co-ordinated World AIDS Day in the UK since it was first set up in 1988. Each year, NAT creates a UK-wide campaign in the lead up to 1 December. World AIDS Day posters, leaflets, red ribbons and other campaign materials produced by NAT are available at our online shop and are displayed in a wide range of community settings including health centres, youth clubs, schools and GP surgeries around the country.

Information on World AIDS Day events going on throughout the UK are gathered by NAT and can be found on their website at www.worldaidsday.org/events.aspx.

Useful Links

AIDS Map, www.aidsmap.com
Crusaid, www.crusaid.org.uk
GMFA, www.gmfa.org.uk
HIV i-Base, www.i-base.info
HIV Scotland, www.hivscotland.org.uk
Living Well, www.livingwelluk.com
National AIDS Trust, www.nat.org.uk
Positively Women, www.positivelywomen.org.uk
Stop AIDS Campaign, www.stopaidscampaign.org.uk
Terrence Higgins Trust, www.tht.org.uk
THT: HIV and AIDS, www.tht.org.uk/informationresources/hivandaids
World AIDS Day, www.worldaidsday.org