Why do we celebrate World AIDS Day in South Africa?

This annual event allows people around the world to unite in the fight against HIV and AIDS, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died.

A World AIDS Day poster for your class

This World AIDS Day poster is a great way to raise awareness of this important observation within school and with your class. You could place it in the classroom, in the hallway, or in communal areas such as the library to remind learners of its importance.

This poster prints out on A4 paper, making it easy for anyone with basic equipment to print out and use. We’ve also made it available as a super-eco colour version to help you save ink without compromising the design of the poster. It could be laminated, so that you can use it again next year and preserve resources.

This beautifully designed poster features a red border, text and ribbon, which is the universal symbol of awareness and support for people that are living with HIV. It also features the globe, to remind us that as a global community, we can help to change the stigma and prejudice that’s often associated with the disease.

How can I include World AIDS Day in a lesson?

The CAPS curriculum includes learning about HIV and AIDS as part of health and environmental responsibility lessons in both the Intermediate and Senior Phases. Throughout Grades 4-9, learners will cover an HIV and AIDS topic from the basic facts through to myths and realities associated with it.

If you’re learning about the disease around December, you could mention World AIDS Day as part of the teaching, and display this poster. Learners will cover blood management, how to protect themselves against infection through blood, and dealing with the stigma that the disease can bring.

As part of lessons, they will read about changing attitudes and perceptions, and be able to recall and relate to what they’ve read. In the Senior Phase, they will cover how management with medication, diet and healthy living are important, as well as prevention and safety issues, and caring for people living with HIV and AIDS.

While you’re teaching about this sensitive subject, you might also find our Basic Facts Infographic useful. We also have a Facts Vs Myths PowerPoint all about HIV and AIDS, which could help you to structure a class discussion around the subject. There’s also this World AIDS Day Banner which you can use to help raise awareness.

What is World AIDS Day?

World AIDS Day takes place on 1 December every year. It’s an opportunity for people here in South Africa and across the world to show their support for people living with the disease and commemorate those that have died.

World AIDS Day plays an important role in reminding us all that the virus is still here, and it’s important that we continue to look into ways of fighting it. You can show your support by wearing a red ribbon.