Getting to zero; end Aids by 2030.

The time to act is now.

2015 marks the 28th annual global health awareness day, and the continuation of a campaign by the World Health Organization to eliminate the HIV virus for good.

Across continents and countries, those living with AIDS suffer all the same. The different campaigns by all of the various organizations: federal, local, and nonprofit, unite under one goal to end the AIDS epidemic.

“Ending the AIDS epidemic and leaving no one behind in the response will profoundly affect the lives of millions of people around the world, for generations to come,” UNAIDS executive director Michel Sidibe said to mark World Aids Day.

UNAIDS’s fast-track strategy to end the Aids epidemic by 2030, utilizing the headlines above, aims at averting 21 million Aids-related deaths, 28 million new HIV infections and 5.9 million new infections among children by 2030.

The key to ending the Aids epidemic within a generation, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), calls for expanding antiretroviral therapy to all people living with HIV.  According to a latest global report by UNAIDS, the number of people on life-saving antiretroviral drugs has doubled since 2010, while incidents of new cases have fallen by 35% since 2000. In June, about 15.8 million people out of a total of 37 million people living with HIV were taking the drugs.

Showing Your Support

Tens of thousands of individuals and community groups from across the globe take part in events to mark World Aids Day each year. The activities are also aimed at creating awareness about HIV, on how it is transmitted and how it is not. The day is also a way to demonstrate international solidarity for people living with HIV and to commemorate the spirit of those who have died battling the deadly disease.

Locally, Spokane AIDS Network will gather at the Riverpark fountain to commemorate those who fought and are still fighting in this epic battle with AIDS. A candle lighting ceremony will be held from 4-6 pm, and all are encouraged to attend.