World AIDS Day 2022 is an international day dedicate to raising awareness about AIDS, which is Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome caused by the spread of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection and remembering those who have lost their life while batting the deadly disease.
It is celebrated on December 1, every year and is one of the eleven official public health campaigns run by the World Health Organization (WHO), which is a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health.
World AIDS Day was first conceived in August 1987 by James W. Bunn and Thomas Netter, who put their recommendation before Dr. Jonathan Mann, who was the Director of the Global Program of AIDS, which is now called UNAIDS.
Mann liked the concept and gave approval to observing World AIDS Day annually from December 1, 1989 onwards.
World AIDS Day 2022 Theme
Every year, World AIDS Day focuses on a specific theme that is chosen following consultation with UNAIDS, WHO, and other national/international agencies involved in the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS.
The theme of the first ever World AIDS Day was “communication,” and talking about the theme this year, the World AIDS Day 2022 will be observed under the theme “equalize,” which means to give everyone the same rights and opportunities.
The Importance of World AIDS Day 2022 Theme
WHO and its partners chose the theme “Equalize” for this year’s World AIDS Day 2022 to call on global leaders and citizens to boldly recognise and address the inequalities that are holding back progress in ending AIDS.
It focuses on equalising access to essential HIV services, particularly for children and key populations, which also include transgender people, people who use drugs, sex workers, people in prisons, etc.