How World AIDS Day Came to Be

In my world, in the world of overseas dwelling expats working in developing nations, World AIDS Day is significant. Weeks and months of planning go into 1 December in order to pull of a memorable and poignant day. With my dad working in relief and development, I've seen my share of World AIDS Days and been to quite a few events. It's almost a game; will this year's program be better then last years? Can this organization compare with the other? While growing up, sometimes I had fun at these events and enjoyed the numerous tasty finger sandwiches and samosas. Other times I've been bored unto tears and would sigh loudly in some dark corner while whinging about the lack of food. Thankfully, this year the program was fantastic and I was excited to attend and take part.

World AIDS Day came to be in 1988 with the help of Johnathan Mann and the World Health Organization. The UN later appointed 1 December as the international date and since then independent organizations have been set up for it's promotion. It serves as a type of Memorial Day or Veterans Day; we're aware of an issue but let's set aside a day to really do something about it. World AIDS Day started with a concentration on young people and children. Later it grew to accommodate everyone and typically has a "theme" set by UNAIDS months in advance. The 2005-2010 theme is "Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise." World AIDS Day shouldn't simply be commemorated by NGOs, health officials and governments, it should cause everyone everywhere to stop and think. How does AIDS affects people? How is the problem continued? What's our response? What are possible solutions? Most importantly, how do we treat those with AIDS? It's our opportunity to express solidarity with those devoted to eradicating this pandemic, and show our support to the 33 million people currently suffering from the disease. It's a time to raise awareness about the issue with the informed and the uninformed.

Currently in Pakistan, over 74,000 people live with HIV/AIDS, .01% of the population. While certainly lower then many Africa nations which have up to 1/5 infection rate, it's not the percentages but the actual lives affected. Globally, few people are able to receive treatment and still millions more lack understanding regarding transmission. Despite all the work poured into stopping the disease and it's transmission, the problem continues and is here to stay.

Some say the AIDS pandemic won't peak until 2040. Other suggest 2020. Regardless, our children will never know a world without AIDS. Maybe one day I'll see Mao Zedong's photo in Tienanmen Square come tumbling down, but I'll never live in a world without AIDS. That's why we say stop AIDS. Keep the promise.