World AIDS Day was first celebrated Dec. 1, 1988. It was the first ever global health day and is commemorated by spreading awareness, showing support for people living with HIV, and remembering those who have died of HIV/AIDS.
James W. Bunn and Thomas Netter, two public information officers for the Global Programme on AIDS at the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland came up with the idea in 1987. Dec. 1 was chosen as the perfect date between elections and holidays. Each year has a theme, with the theme for 2011 being “Getting to Zero” meaning an AIDS-free generation.
Photo: Zimbabwe © Juan-Carlos Tomasi
