The red ribbon is a symbol for solidarity with HIV-positive people and those living with AIDS.
World AIDS Day, observed December 1 each year, is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) pandemic caused by the spread of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection. The illness interferes with the immune system making people with AIDS much more likely to get infections and tumors that do not affect people with working immune systems.
It is common to hold memorials to honor persons who have died from HIV/AIDS on this day. Government and health officials also observe the event, often with speeches or forums on the AIDS topics.
More than 90,000 people are currently living with HIV in the UK and globally an estimated 33.3 million people have HIV. More than 25 million people between 1981 and 2007 have died from the virus, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history. Many famous people have died from AIDS too, including:
- Gervase Jackson-Stops (1947–1995) British architectural historian and journalist.
- Simon Bailey (1955–1995) British Anglican priest and writer.
- Bruce Chatwin (1940–1989) British novelist and travel writer, best known for the influential In Patagonia.
- Gerald Chapman (1950–1987) English theater director and educator.
- John Curry(1949–1994) British figure skater who won the Olympic and World Championships in 1976.
- Mike Beuttler (1940–1988) British Formula One driver.
- Nicholas Eden (1930–1985) British Conservative politician and son of Prime Minister Anthony Eden.
- Makgatho Mandela (1950–2005) South African attorney. He was the son of former South African president Nelson Mandela.
- Freddie Mercury (1946–1991) British musician and lead singer of the band Queen.
Despite recent, improved access to antiretroviral treatment and care in many regions of the world, the AIDS epidemic claimed an estimated 2 million lives in 2007, of which about 270,000 were children.
The theme for World AIDS Day 2011 is “Getting to Zero.” After 30 years of the global fight against HIV/AIDS, this year the focus is on achieving 3 targets: Zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS-related deaths.
