World AIDS Day

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1 December 2008 marks the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day. In 1988, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the first World AIDS Day in an effort to raise public awareness about HIV/AIDS issues, including the need for support and understanding for people living with HIV/AIDS. The day is also an opportunity to highlight the need for continued development of education and prevention initiatives.

Over the past 20 years, World AIDS Day has been established as one of the world’s most successful commemorative days. It is now recognised and observed by millions of people in more than 190 countries around the globe.

The Red Ribbon



The red ribbon is an international symbol of AIDS awareness. It is worn by people all year round, and particularly around World AIDS Day, to demonstrate their support for people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.

It is also a symbol of commitment to challenge the stigma and prejudice surrounding HIV/AIDS.

International symbol

The red ribbon is the international symbol of HIV and AIDS awareness and was conceived more than 17 years ago by a group of artists in New York called "Visual AIDS Artists Caucus".

The artists sought to create an awareness-raising symbol – an image which would be simple yet bold, able to make an impact wherever it was seen.

Why a red ribbon?

Red was chosen for the HIV/AIDS awareness ribbon to symbolise blood, danger and the idea of passion – including love and anger, while the tails of the ribbon were designed to point down to symbolise life flowing away.

Fitness and health


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