On December 1, millions of people worldwide will take a moment to raise awareness and inspire affirmative action against HIV/AIDS.
Over 33 million people now live with HIV/AIDS around the globe with estimates suggesting over 7,000 new HIV diagnoses are reported daily.
For the second year, Universal Access and Human Rights has remained the global theme for the 22nd World AIDS Day.
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon recently underscored the importance of human rights in the response to HIV and AIDS when he reported the limited access to essential HIV information, prevention treatments and services in many countries.
The Secretary-General stressed that there was less demand for antiretroviral treatments; less deaths and fewer diagnoses in countries where the human rights of people living with HIV were promoted and protected.
One of the major global events is Light for Rights; a ceremony where landmarks and buildings are temporarily shrouded in darkness. The event will be held in over 100 cities including New York, Cape Town and Paris.
In Australia, World AIDS Day will ring with real significance as communities come to terms with the sobering fact that HIV diagnoses nationwide have risen to an almost two-decade high.
New diagnoses climbed to 1,050 for 2009; however the rate of new diagnoses has been climbing for the past four years. 1993 was the last year to record such high rates of new HIV diagnoses across the country.
The Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations described the new figures as ‘disappointing’ and called for increased investment in prevention programs.
OUTinPerth understands there is an emerging concern among health and community workers that Australians have become complacent about HIV and AIDS.
Greg Gahl is the CEO of the AIDS Trust of Australia and said World AIDS Day had a generic effect on Australian’s perception of HIV.
‘HIV has lost some of its currency. If you talk to people in the community, they’ll say everything is okay,’ he said.
‘Anything that refreshes Australia’s understanding of HIV/AIDS is very important; discussion on HIV from around the world needs to be refreshed.’
Around Australia, events have been planned in all capital cities with more to come as the big day approaches. Individuals, community organisations and businesses have been encouraged to start their own event in their state or territory to raise vital funds for services.
Over in NSW, ACON will be hosting the World AIDS Day Concert which has been promoted as an all-star tribute to legendary composer Stephen Sondhiem. Sydney will also be hosting a memorial service at the Paddington Town Hall as well as the infamous Big Red Bingay.
Victoria’s efforts will be focused on fundraising this year with the World AIDS Day Red Ribbon. Events will be scattered throughout the state but there will be a Memorial Service at the Positive Living Centre in St Kilda.
Locally, Mark Reid from the West Australian AIDS Council said the organisation would hold the same World AIDS Day events as last year. He said the WAAC World AIDS Day awards would be held at Robertson Park at the AIDS Memorial on December 1.
As well as the awards ceremony, Reid said WAAC would be working with indigenous communities in the Kimberleys as part of the Design for Life program and the Positive Art component; a program for people living with HIV to create something that represents them.
This year’s events will be accentuated by WAAC’s 25th birthday held last month; marking a quarter-century of dedication and service to the community in a range of areas since 1985.
Reid expected this year’s World AIDS Day events to be ‘fantastic’ as people celebrated and recognised the heroes championing the fight against HIV/AIDS in our community.
Benn Dorrington
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