World AIDS Day is a day devoted to increasing awareness of AIDS. World AIDS Day occurs on December 1 each year. 2008 marks the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day.World Aids Campaign: World AIDS Day 2008 AIDS is caused by HIV, a virus that attacks and weakens the immune system.
Great Britain announced on November 29, 2008 that it will give $23 million (15 million pounds) to South Africa to help fight the AIDS epidemic in that country. Previous policies by former South Africa Prime Minister Thabo Mbeki, who denied that HIV caused aids, have been blamed for more than 330,000 deaths.BBC News: UK funds for S Africa Aids fight (November 30, 3008)
The AIDS Pandemic
A pandemic is an epidemic so widespread that it affects a large portion of the entire world population. It is estimated that just under 1% of the world's population has HIV or AIDS. This, along with the fact that HIV/Aids infections can be found in every country in the world, has led scientists to label AIDS a pandemic.
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Fast Facts
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Annually occurs on December 1
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Began December 1, 1988
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More than 33 million people estimated to have AIDSCDC Features: World AIDS Day 2008
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2.5 million children have HIV/AIDS
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95% of HIV/AIDS cases are in developing countries
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Almost 300,000 people in the U.S. are infected with HIV but are unaware
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Red ribbon is worn to symbolize AIDS patients and victims
