December 1st is World AIDS Day and if you only do one thing on this day, put on a red ribbon. Pin it to your jacket, your backpack or even your dog's collar. You could also donate time and money. The red ribbon is the international symbol of HIV and AIDS awareness. AIDS is short for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome - a serious, possibly fatal disease of the immune system.
World AIDS Day: Why You Should Wear a Ribbon
More than 35.3 million people worldwide have HIV - a serious disease that still has no cure. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS. By wearing the red ribbon, you are telling everyone that you're aware of the AIDS crisis and that you support people suffering from the disease. If people start asking you questions about the ribbon, you can tell them:
- You're supporting people who have HIV.
- AIDS is a disease that does not discriminate, but its victims are discriminated against.
- In another 10 years, more than 40 million children could be orphans from losing their parents to AIDS.
World Aids Day is December 1stCourtesy of The World Aids Organization
World AIDS Day: The History of World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day has been around since December 1, 1988. It started as a day to share messages of hope, compassion and understanding about AIDS to the world. The organization behind World AIDS Day is the World Summit of Ministers of Health on Programmes for AIDS Prevention. World AIDS Day is honored around the world and it's the only international day that takes action against AIDS.
World AIDS Day: Show Your Support
Show your support this December 1st and pin on a red ribbon, the proceeds of which go to AIDS charities. You can get one from your local AIDS organization. Check out worldaidsday.org for more information.
Have Your Say
Does your school do anything for World Aids Day? How do you show your support?
