Today In History: World AIDS Day

The discovery of HIV in 1983 and the proof that it was the cause of AIDS in 1984 were the first major scientific breakthroughs that provided a specific target for blood-screening tests and opened the doorway to the development of antiretroviral medications. -- Anthony Fauci

First observed by the World Health Organization in 1988, World AIDS Day serves to raise awareness about the AIDS (Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) epidemic caused by HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection -- showing support for those affected, as well as the tens of millions who have died. The theme for 2023, Let Communities Lead, emphasizes the central role that communities play in response to AIDS, with a call to action. A significant public health issue, AIDS has caused more than 700,000 deaths since 1981 in the United States alone,  and over 1 million Americans are living with HIV today. Although there is no cure, HIV infection is a manageable chronic health condition.

The following articles are drawn from Proquest Historical Newspapers, which informs and inspires classroom teaching and learning:

• World AIDS Day Scheduled. (1988, Dec 01). Chicago Defender (Daily Edition) (1973-) 
• Carnegie Hall Marks World AIDS Day. (1988, Nov 26). New York Amsterdam News (1962-) 
• Larcen, D.  (1994, Nov 28). Observing World AIDS Day. The Hartford Courant (1923-) 
• Neyer, C.  Courant, S. W. (1995, Dec 01). Soldiers Against AIDS Honored: Leadership, Life Saluted on Eve of World AIDS Day. The Hartford Courant (1923-) 
• World AIDS Day Is Monday, Dec. 1. (1997, Nov 28). The Call (1933-) 
• Colvin, L. (2001, Nov 28). Dec. 1 Is World AIDS Day: People of Color Increasingly New Victims; No Longer a "Gay" White Male Disease. New Journal and Guide (1916-) 
• World AIDS Day 2002 Is Sunday. (2002, Nov 28). Call and Post (1982-) 
• Hendrix, V. (2003, Dec 04). Remembering World AIDS Day and Facing the Secret World of HIV. Los Angeles Sentinel (1934-) 
• Williams, V. (2008, Dec 04). World AIDS Day 2008: Forum at the City of Refuge. Los Angeles Sentinel (1934-) 
• Jones, A. (2010, Nov 30). Various Artistic Events to Mark World AIDS Day. Philadelphia Tribune (1912-) 

Tips:

• Batza, Katie. Before AIDS : Gay Health Politics in the 1970s. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 2018.  e-book
• Chesney, Margaret A, and Michael H Antoni. Innovative Approaches to Health Psychology : Prevention and Treatment Lessons from AIDS.  Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association, 2002. e-book
• Dumais, Nancy, ed. HIV/AIDS : Contemporary Challenges.  London: IntechOpen, 2017. e-book
• National Research Council. The Social Impact of AIDS in the United States. Washington, D.C: National Academies Press, 1993. e-book
• World Bank. Education and HIV/AIDS: A Window of Hope. Washington: World Bank Publications, 2001. e-book

Images:

• Red Ribbon, Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
• Poster Image: World AIDS Day Tree, Open Clip Art