Once again, the world is recognizing Dec. 1 as the World AIDS Day. Prince Harry, along with celebrities including Nicole Scherzinger, Gemma Arterton, Paloma Faith and boxer Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton released video statements that reveal a personal secret as a campaign for World AIDS Day. While Apple Inc. changed the color of its logos red for the occasion.
Every year, the World AIDS Day is held on Dec. 1. The occasion gives a chance for people worldwide to join in the battle against HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. It is also a time to show support for people living with the virus and to commemorate people who have died. It is the first ever global health day celebrated in the world.
The first World AIDS Day was held in 1988. Today, there are around 34 million people living with HIV and USA Today said over 35 million have died, making it as one of the most destructive pandemics in history. This 2014, the world is celebrating the 26th World AIDS Day with a theme of "Focus, Partner, Achieve: An AIDS-free Generation."
The World AIDS Day is significant as it reminds the government and the public that HIV has not gone away. The society continue to face the challenges about understanding HIV, protection against the virus, and the stigma and discrimination the people infected experienced. The occasion echoes the vital need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudgment and improve education.
This 2014, Sentebale, a charity cofounded by Prince Harry, launched the "Feel No Shame" campaign. The Telegraph UK reported the organization aims to raise awareness of how eliminating the stigma can save lives. The group also intends to empower HIV victims to seek medical support and education about their condition and to prevent the spreading of the virus.
In the Sentebale's campaign, Prince Harry urges the public to share their own secrets via social media in exchange for his. The royal prince hopes the revelation will show unity with HIV victims globally who face the stigma if they speak out.
Throughout the day, other celebrities are expected to release videos about revealing their secrets on the Web site. Prince Harry will also release a second video at 1 p.m. with a Twitter hashtag #FeelNoShame.
Meanwhile, Apple Inc. announced last week about their new campaign for the World AIDS Day 2014. Apple's campaign is done in collaboration with the product RED, which saw the launch of special Apps for RED section in the App Store and a donation initiative. The RED Apps will be active until Dec. 7 and the proceeds of the campaign will go to the Global Fund to fight AIDS.
Photos from Twitter have shown that Apple stores in Australia has already changed its logo color for the company's World AIDS Day campaign. Several stores in the US and the UK are also expected to change the color of its logos.
In support for #WorldAIDSDay, Apple in Australia has changed the colour of its logo to red at the Sydney store. pic.twitter.com/Vlzt8u9j8a
— Aus News Network (@AusNewsNetwork) November 30, 2014
Picture: Sydney #Apple Store turns it's Apple logo red to mark World #AIDSDay . pic.twitter.com/IEirnutwdM — CCTVNEWS (@cctvnews) December 1, 2014
In the US, approximately 1.2 million people are living with HIV. And though World AIDS Day is a brilliant opportunity to increase public awareness, it is still essential to remember the significance of raising consciousness about the virus is not just a one-day event but should be done on a daily basis.
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