The White House hosts a commemorative event on World AIDS Day every year, and this time too an important official event has been scheduled.
One of the most recognised health days in the world, the AIDS Day 2014, will commemorate the day in order to re-commit to addressing HIV/AIDS – a disease that has affected the lives of over 35 million people throughout the globe.
The White House will honour this worldwide observance on Monday, 1 December with a significant official event that will focus on this year Federal theme, "Focus, Partner, Achieve: An AIDS-Free Generation," according to the official Aids.gov website.
In an annual observance to raise awareness and commemorate those who have lost their lives to what has been considered one of the most destructive and feared epidemics in world history, President Barack Obama on Friday issued a presidential Proclamation ahead of the World AIDS Day.
The White House event on Monday will be webcast on the official White House website . One can stream and watch the important event live on 1 December from noon till 2pm (EST). One can also join the conversation about the day on Twitter with hastag #WAD2014.
Also Read: World AIDS Day: History, Significance and Theme
World AIDS Day 2014 Fact Box
- 35.3 million people live with HIV worldwide as of 2014
- 47% of people living with HIV worldwide are women
- 2.3 million people were newly infected with HIV worldwide in 2012
- 1.6 million deaths are attributed to AIDS globally
- In some parts of the world (particularly within Sub-Saharan Africa) almost 15-28% of the population are living with HIV.
- Over 90% of people with HIV were infected through sexual contact
- One can now get tested for HIV using a saliva sample
- HIV is not passed on through spitting, biting or sharing utensils
- Only 1% of babies born to HIV positive mothers have HIV, according to World AIDS Day website
- It only takes 15 to 20 minutes for a person to get the result of an HIV test.
- There is no vaccine and cure discovered so far in medical history for HIV
