World AIDS Day
International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development
International Civil Aviation Day
International Anti-Corruption Day
Human Rights Day
International Mountain Day
International Migrant's Day
United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation
International Human Solidarity Day
The AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection is one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history with over 25 million people killed by the disease since it was first recognized in 1981. Despite recent, improved access to treatment and care in many regions of the world, the AIDS pandemic continues to claim several million lives each year. Globally, according to UNAIDS and WHO estimates, around 39.5 million adults and children are living with HIV and approximately 4.3 million became newly infected with HIV in 2006 alone. World AIDS Day, observed on December 1 each year, is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic and how it can be stopped.