|  1 December 2010 -- An estimated 33.3 million people live with HIV/AIDS. 1 December marks the 22nd observance of World AIDS Day, which has become one of the most recognised international health days and a key opportunity to raise awareness, commemorate those who have died of HIV/AIDS, and celebrate victories such as increased access to treatment and prevention services.
The number of new HIV/AIDS cases is estimated to have decreased by 20 percent over the past ten years. 5.2 million people living with HIV in low and middle-income countries now have access to treatment, but millions more do not. In 2009 alone, an estimated 2.6 million people, including 370,000 newborn babies were infected with HIV.
The theme for World AIDS Day 2010 is "Universal Access and Human Rights". World AIDS Day is an essential part of the worldwide "Light for Rights" campaign that emphasises the link between HIV/AIDS prevention and human rights. Where human rights are promoted to protect people living with HIV and members of other vulnerable groups, there are fewer infections, less demand for antiretroviral treatment, and fewer HIV/AIDS deaths.
Sources: UNAIDS, Light for Rights Campaign, World AIDS Campaign
Selected learning materials
Supporting the response to the HIV epidemic in Eastern and Southern Africa through the international human rights framework
This is a set of advocacy tools to support Eastern and Southern African countries in their legislative and policy reforms related to HIV. These tools are of interest to parliamentarians, government officials, members of the judiciary, lawyers, civil society organisations, people living with HIV, and others interested in implementing human rights norms in the context of the HIV pandemic. There is also an accompanying website and a CD-ROM.
Taking Action Against AIDS: A Handbook for Parliamentarians
This handbook provides parliamentarians with information to initiate and promote an evidence-informed and rights-based HIV response that is crucial to achieving universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support for all.
Reducing Stigma & Discrimination Related to HIV & AIDS: Training for Health Care Workers - Trainer's Manual
This manual is intended for training of health workers in countries hardest hit by the AIDS pandemic. The training course is meant to be used to guide health workers through an investigation of the root causes of stigma and discrimination while helping them to understand their own attitudes about HIV, AIDS, and individuals affected by these conditions and how these attitudes might affect the care they offer.
An Advocate's Guide to the International Guidelines on HIV/AIDS and Human Rights
Contains various articles on HIV/AIDS with an advocacy focus.
Gender, HIV and Human Rights: A Training Manual
This manual aims to help trainers enhance their understanding of the gender dimensions of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Useful Links
UNAIDS
2010 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic (UNAIDS)
Light for Rights: Keep the Light on HIV and Human Rights
World AIDS Campaign
Links to organisations involved in the fight against HIV/AIDs
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