World AIDS Day - 2000

On December 1, 2000, people all over the world will join in spirit to observe World AIDS Day 2000. This year's theme is "Men Make a Difference". While not all men engage in at-risk behaviors, HIV would be hard pressed to continue its epidemic without men. Over 70 percent of the world's HIV transmission is via men having sex with women, with an additional 10 percent from men having sex with other men. Because of this, the world must recognize the important role men must play in preventing the further spread of HIV.

Since 1988, World AIDS Day has been recognized around the world as a means to increase awareness of the AIDS epidemic. Originally, World AIDS Day arose from a call by the World Summit of Ministers of Health on Programs for AIDS Prevention to open new channels of communication to strengthen the exchange of information and social tolerance. Currently, it is the only coordinated international day of observance for the fight against HIV and AIDS.

Each year there is a particular theme chosen for World AIDS Day. Past themes include:

• 1988 - Communication
• 1989 - "Youth"
• 1990 - "Women & AIDS"
• 1991 - "Sharing the Challenge"
• 1992 - "Community Commitment"
• 1993 - "Time to Act"
• 1994 - "AIDS and the Family"
• 1995 - "Shared Rights, Shared Responsibilities"
• 1996 - "One World, One Hope"
• 1997 - "Children Living in a World with AIDS"
• 1998 - "Force For Change: World AIDS Campaign With Young People"
• 1999 - "Listen, Learn, Live: World AIDS Campaign with Children and Young People"
• 2000 - "AIDS : Men make a difference"

World AIDS Day - 2000 Statements

• Kofi Annan, Secretary-General of the UN
• Peter Piot, Executive Director, UNAIDS
• What We Learned in Durban