Theme

The 2015 theme for World AIDS Day is Getting to Zero

World AIDS Day is held on 1 December each year and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died. World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day and the first one was held in 1988.

Why is World AIDS Day important?

Many scientific advances have been made in HIV treatment, there are laws to protect people living with HIV and we understand so much more about the condition. But despite this, people do not know the facts about how to protect themselves and others from HIV and stigma and discrimination remain a reality for many people living with HIV.

World AIDS Day is important as it reminds the public and Government that HIV has not gone away there is still a vital need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice and improves education.

What should I do on World AIDS Day?

• World AIDS Day is an opportunity for you tolearn the facts about HIV and put your knowledge into action.
• Find out how much you know by taking ouronline quiz: Are you HIV aware?
• Test your knowledge and awareness by taking the quiz and act aware by passing the quiz on and sharing it with your friends on Twitter and Face book.
• If you understand how HIV is transmitted, how it can be prevented, and the reality of living with HIV today you can use this knowledge to takecare of your own health and the health of others
• Ensure you treat everyone living with HIV fairly and with respect and understanding

HIV facts

HIV stands for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a virus which attacks the body’s immune system the body’s defence against diseases.

HIV can be passed on through infected bodily fluids, most commonly via sex without a condom or by sharing infected needles, syringes or other injecting drug equipment.

There are now more people than ever living with HIV

• Here are a few more facts about HIV
• Over 90% of people with HIV were infected through sexual contact
• You can now get tested for HIV using a saliva sample
• HIV is not passed on through spitting, biting or sharing utensils
• Only 1% of babies born to HIV positive mothers have HIV
• You can get the results of an HIV test in just 15-20 minutes
• There is no vaccine and no cure for HIV

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