World AIDS Day on Dec. 1st

World AIDS Day, observed December 1 every year, is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. Government and health officials observe the day, often with speeches or forums on the AIDS topics.

Since 1995, the President of the United States has made an official proclamation on World AIDS Day. Governments of other nations have followed suit and issued similar announcements.

Workers hang a huge red ribbon on the North Portico of the White House one day ahead of World AIDS Day November 30, 2011 in Washington, DC

An activist from a non-governmental organisation lights candles during an AIDS awareness campaign on the eve of World AIDS Day in Agartala, capital of India’s northeastern state of Tripura

Nurses throw rose petals and red ribbons to mark World AIDS Day at a medical school

A drug addict dances during a rehearsal

A drug addict dances during a rehearsal for a performance ahead of the upcoming AIDS Day on December 1, at “Harmonious Home” Rehabilitation Community, on the outskirts of Kunming, capital of southwest China’s Yunnan province, November 30, 2011.

About 297 drug addicts live and work at the community, which was built in 2006 as a public service agency for drug rehabilitation established by the Kunming government’s public security department, with 513 low-rent single apartments and family suites and other supporting facilities such as hospital, kindergarten, supermarket and sports fitness centre.

Drug addicts can volunteer to apply and enter into it to get free training on labour production skills and work at its employment base.

People gather around lit candles to mark the upcoming World AIDS Day in Kathmandu

Volunteers form the shape of a giant red ribbon to show their support