World AIDS Day

If you already didn't know, it is World AIDS day, which is a huge public health mission.

HISTORY

World AIDS Day was first conceived in August 1987 by James W. Bunn and Thomas Netter, two public information officers for the Global Programme on AIDS at the Wold Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland. Bunn and Netter took their idea to Dr. Jonathan Mann, Director of the Global Programme on AIDS (now known as UNAIDS). Dr. Mann liked the concept, approved it, and agreed with the recommendation that the first observance of World AIDS Day should be 1 December, 1988.

UNITED STATES

World AIDS Day, observed December 1 each year, is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. It is common to hold memorials to honor persons who have died from HIV/AIDS on this day. Government and health officials also observe the event, often with speeches or forums on the AIDS topics. Since 1995, the President of the United States has made an official proclamation on World AIDS Day. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_AIDS_Day)

WORLD AIDS CAMPAIGN

In addition the World AIDS Campaign's mission on this day and everyday is to ensure that governments and policy makers meet the HIV targets they set, the commitments they made, and mobilize the necessary resources for a world where people do not die of AIDS and opportunistic infections like TB. At the heart of the global commitment is the publicly stated ambition of Universal Access by 2010 - enabling everyone to have non-discriminatory and non-judgemental access to adequate HIV prevention, treatment, care and support. (http://www.worldaidscampaign.org/en/WAC2)

IOWA

On Iowa's campus there is blood drive going on to recognize World AIDS day and to remember that those that are not infected by a disease and can give blood, should.

World AIDS Day Blood Drive

Sponsored by the World Health Initiative

Wednesday, December 1st

11AM - 3PM in the Lucas-Dodge Room at the IMU or all week at the DeGowin Blood Center (right near the CPH hallway!)

Make an appointment at: http://www.givesblood.org/give/get_started.php?orgID=136

or Walk-ins are welcome at both locations!

I hope you have learned a little about World AIDS Day and the global pull to combat it. The topic of AIDS is quite personal to me because of my Uncle Don who died of AIDS and my boyfriend Cody who works for the local county health department helping improve access to HIV testing and outreach.

Ryan