World AIDS Day

Here’s some info I pulled from a website on World AIDS Day if you’re wondering what it is: Started on 1st December 1988, World AIDS Day is about raising money, increasing awareness, fighting prejudice and improving education. World AIDS Day is important for reminding people that HIV has not gone away, and that there is still work to be done. The theme for World AIDS Day 2011 is 'Getting to Zero.’ After 30 years of the global fight against HIV/AIDS, this year the global community has committed to focusing on achieving 3 targets: "Zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS-related deaths.”

According to UNAIDS estimates, there are now 34 million people living with HIV. During 2010 some 2.7 million people became newly infected with the virus, including an estimated 390,000 children. Despite a significant decline in the estimated number of AIDS-related deaths over the last five years, there were still an estimated 1.8 million AIDS-related deaths in 2010. People living with HIV were still subject to restrictions on their travel and/or stay in 47 countries, territories and areas.

And what you can do:
WEAR RED OR A RED RIBBON AND RAISE AWARENESS
The red ribbon is an international symbol of AIDS awareness that is worn by people all year round and particularly around World AIDS Day to demonstrate care and concern about HIV and AIDS, and to remind others of the need for their support and commitment. The red ribbon started as a grass roots effort; as a result there is no one official AIDS ribbon manufacturer, and many people make their own. It's easily done - just use some ordinary red ribbon and a safety pin. Or pick something red you already have from your closet to wear and show your support.

VOLUNTEER
If you want to take your awareness raising a step further into action then try finding a local event volunteer for. Around the world there are hundreds of activities taking place to mark World AIDS Day, including candlelight vigils, art shows, concerts, rallies and religious services.