World AIDS Day Observed on December 1

On December 1, World AIDS Day was observed in India and around the world. On this day, India’s Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Shri J P Nadda launched the National toll free AIDS helpline number ‘1097’, and also the Digital Resource Centre and the Supply Chain Management System for AIDS awareness.
The Helpline Number will be available 24*7 and in all regional languages. It has been developed in collaboration with USAID.
The Health Minister also launched the District Epidemiological Factsheets which will be useful to the programme managers in the field.
About World AIDS Day

• 1 December is designated as World AIDS Day every year since 1987.
• It is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection, and mourning those who have died of the disease.
• Government and health officials, NGO’s and individuals around the world observe the day, often with education on AIDS prevention and control.
• This day is one of the eight official global public health campaigns marked by the World Health Organization (WHO)

Month: Current Affairs - December, 2014