Since it’s creation in 1987, the World AIDS Quilt has grown to include more than 44,000 names of victims of the AIDS virus. Created by a small group of people in San Francisco, the Names Project AIDS Memorial Quilt has become a powerful symbol displayed throughout the world on World AIDS Day.
History of World AIDS Day
Believe it or not, the AIDS Memorial Quilt has actually been around longer than World AIDS Day. Created by the World Health Organization and the United Nations General Assembly in 1988, World AIDS Day is celebrated on Dec. 1 each year.
According to Avert, an AIDS/HIV charity, there were more than 33.4 million people worldwide living with AIDS in 2008. Fourteen million of those people are orphan children living in Africa, according to the site. Since 1981, more than 25 million people have died from the disease, and 117 million more are expected to die from the disease before 2030.
To help combat the spread of the disease, the World Health Organization and UN General Assembly created World AIDS Day as a day dedicated to activism, education, fundraising and memorial ceremonies. In 2005, the World AIDS Campaign took control of the day and has continued to spread awareness in the same manner as the previous organizations.
World AIDS Day Activities: Activism, Education, Fundraising, Memorial Ceremonies
The World AIDS Campaign and other international organizations use World AIDS Day to encourage people to participate in marches, rallies and demonstrations. The day itself is a rallying time, allowing people across the globe to join together and fight against a common cause.
On Dec. 1, activists give speeches about improving health care and treatment for AIDS victims. Volunteers flood the streets to inform young adults of the dangers of unprotected sex and needle sharing. Seminars, workshops and demonstrations are common on World AIDS Day, and public service announcements and free, mobile testing facilities are often used to reach the public.
Special events are sometimes held, too. Benefits to raise money for charities sometimes include fashion shows, dinners and performances.
Memorial ceremonies are held to remember those who have died from the disease and encourage those who are living with HIV. Memorial ceremonies include candlelight vigils, and frequently, a display of a section of the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt.
To find out about activities in your community on this World AIDS Day, visit the official World AIDS Campaign website.
Resources:
- World AIDS Campaign Official Website
- “ History of the Quilt. ” The Names Project Foundation Official Website.
- “Global HIV/AIDS Estimates, End of 2008.” AVERT, International HIV & AIDS Charity.
- Henderson, Helene. “ Holiday Symbols and Customs.” Omnigraphics, Inc., 2002.
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