Gambia: Commemorating World Aids Day

editorial

Tuesday December 1st, people from all walks of life across the world observed the World AIDS Day. Since inception in 1988, the day has been dedicated to raising money, increasing awareness, fighting prejudice and improving education. The theme for this yearÂ's commemoration is: 'Universal access and human rights'. World AIDS Day is important in reminding people that HIV has not gone away, and that there are many things still to be done and as well provides an opportunity for us all - individuals, communities and political leaders - to take action and ensure that human rights are protected and global targets for HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care are met.

According to UNAIDS estimates, there are now 33.4 million people living with HIV, including 2.1 million children; that during 2008 some 2.7 million people became newly infected with the virus and an estimated 2 million people died from AIDS. The estimate further stated that around half of all people who become infected with HIV do so before they are 25 and are killed by AIDS before they are 35.2.

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