Home › Events › News & event archive › World AIDS Day 2011

World AIDS Day 2011

in Archive

Inform yourself, educate others this World AIDS Day

1 December 2011 marks the 23rd annual ‘World AIDS Day’.

Inform yourself

This global event was established by the World Health Organization (WHO), in an effort to raise public awareness about HIV issues, including the need for support and understanding for people living with HIV. Today, more than 160 countries participate in World AIDS Day, uniting to provide a global response to HIV, an issue impacting upon the lives of millions of men, women and children, across all demographics, races and religions throughout the world.

It is vital to remember that HIV is not just relevant to developing countries. It is relevant to you and every Australian, as an important issue affecting our society. Currently there are around 17,500 people living with HIV in Australia, with approximately 5722 of those in Victoria. Every three days, two Victorians are diagnosed with the virus, meaning there are more people living with HIV here than ever before.

Educate others

We need you to join us to become a ‘World AIDS Day Advocate’ this December. There are many activities that you can participate in:

  • Volunteer to help sell merchandise, collect donations and distribute red ribbons on World AIDS Day – Viiv Healthcare has again generously sponsored our red ribbons this year, so we distribute them in return for a voluntary donation rather than selling them to the public.
  • Collect donations in exchange for World AIDS Day merchandise (such as red ribbons and pin badges) at your work place, school or club.
  • Organise your own World AIDS Day fundraising event, such as a wear red to work day or a fancy dress party.
  • Make a donation to assist us in supporting people living with HIV in Victoria and undertaking vital prevention work.
  • Wear a red ribbon or other red clothing on World AIDS Day, to help generate vital awareness surrounding HIV - join our Wear RED for World AIDS Day Facebook event.
  • Tell others about World AIDS Day - family, friends and colleagues – and help spread the word far and wide.

By participating in our World AIDS Day activities you:

  • Contribute to our fundraising efforts, which directly assist people living with HIV.
  • Confront the ongoing stigma and discrimination faced by people living with HIV.
  • Increase awareness surrounding HIV and its transmission.
  • Help to commemorate the millions of lives lost as a result of the epidemic.

So take action today – Inform yourself, educate others and pledge your support to us this coming World AIDS Day.

For more information, contact Michael Dalton on (03) 9865 6700 or fundraising@vicaids.asn.au.