Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a destructive pandemic that has taken the lives of over 25 million people since 1981, when it was first identified. Despite improved diagnosis and medical care, according to the statistics of UNAIDS and the WHO, the total number of people living with HIV is increasing. The infection levels differ in different countries.
World AIDS Day is observed each year to increase public awareness about the disease and also educate people about ways to keep them protected from it. The concept of World AIDS Day originated at the 1988 World Summit of Ministers of Health on Programmes for AIDS Prevention.
Annually, specific themes are chosen, based on which the campaign is carried out. This year's theme is 'Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise - Leadership'. India's campaign manager of United Nations HIV/AIDS programme is actor Kamal Haasan. His 'Ini Oru Vidhi Seivom' campaign was launched on Thursday. As a responsible citizen fighting against the pandemic, he has been interacting with the public and persons affected and living with HIV/AIDS through different kinds of media. Though its eradication is still not in sight, Kamal is addressing the issue with the strong will and stamina of a long-distance runner, encouraging and educating people to avoid AIDS.
Join the campaign to reiterate our struggle against the pandemic!
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