World Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Day will be observed on December 1 in Pakistan as elsewhere in the world to create awareness among the people across the globe. World AIDS Day provides an opportunity to governments, national AIDS programs, organisations and individuals to raise awareness and draw attention of the vulnerable segments of the society and regions towards this menace, Private TV channel reported.
The theme for this year's AIDS day is "Leadership", promoted with the campaigning slogan, "Stop AIDS, Keep the Promise." In 1988, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the first World AIDS Day in an effort to raise public awareness about HIV/AIDS issues, including the need for support and understanding for people living with HIV.
The day is also an opportunity to highlight need for continued development of education and prevention initiatives. Over the past 20 years, World AIDS Day has been established as one of the world's most successful commemorative days. It is now recognised and observed by millions of people in more than 190 countries around the globe.