World AIDS day

December 1st (International)

World AIDS Day has been observed since 1988. Approximately 95% of people living with HIV/AIDS come from developing nations. However, HIV is a threat to men, women and children on all continents around the world. According to UNAIDS, an estimated 33,4 million people worldwide are living with HIV, and in in 2008 in sub-Saharan Africa, 22,4 million people were living with HIV and AIDS. More than 14 million children had lost one or both parents to AIDS (2 million people died of AIDS related illness).

Although the HIV epidemic in South Africa seems to have stabilised, the UNAIDS/WHO AIDS epidemic update (2009) states that SA still has more people living with HIV than any other country. The motto, 'iBambeni - Take Responsibility', draws attention to the role that organisations and individuals can play in preventing the spread of the epidemic. 

More info: World AIDS Day

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