1 December 1998

World Aids Day is held on the 1 December each year. It is an international day of observance that provides an opportunity to remember and support those affected by HIV and AIDS. The day also helps to strengthen and support the efforts that are being made to prevent HIV and AIDS.

Although there have been many efforts to prevent the spread of the disease, the impact of AIDS is still very real - HIV is present in virtually all countries of the world. Latest estimates from the United Nations Joint Programme on AIDS are that there are currently 22 million people worldwide living with HIV/AIDS, including 2.6 million children. AIDS organisations believe that there are more than 8,500 infections occurring each day.

In the UK, the National AIDS Trust works closely with the Health Education Authority (HEA) to support those who are affected by the disease and to deliver education programmes to help people understand HIV and AIDS and to ‘get the message across' about prevention. The World AIDS Day Project is a partnership between the National AIDS Trust and the Health Education Authority.

For details about the National Aids Trust and its work contact:

The National AIDS Trust
New City Cloisters
188-196 Old Street
London EC1V 9FG

Tel: 0171-814 6767
Fax: 0171-216 0111

Information about regional support groups around the UK is available on the World AIDS Day Information site.

A new Health Education Authority World Aids Day site is currently being developed to replace the existing site. Although World Aids Day is just one day a year, the new site will have important information of use all year round with simple facts about HIV and AIDS and key prevention information. Contact:

The Health Education Authority
Hamilton House
Mabledon Place
London WC1H 9TX
Tel. 0171 413 1891