NEWS - EU NEWS

 

Started on 1st December 1988, World AIDS Day is about raising money, increasing awareness, fighting prejudice and improving education. World AIDS day 2009, 'Universal Access and Human Rights', is important in reminding people that HIV has not gone away, and that there are many things still to be done.

 

The theme for World AIDS Day 2009 is 'Universal Access and Human Rights'. Global leaders have pledged to work towards universal access to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care, recognising these as fundamental human rights.

According to UNAIDS estimates, there are now 33.2 million people living with HIV. In low- and middle-income countries, less than half of those in need of antiretroviral therapy are receiving it, and too many do not have access to adequate care services. The protection of human rights is essential to fight the spread of HIV, and the discrimination of marginalised groups, (eg injecting drug users and sex workers) at a higher risk of HIV infection.