China 1 of 5 Chinese AIDS authorities, with the support of UNAIDS, unveiled three giant red ribbons on the iconic National Stadium - colloquially known as ‘the Bird’s Nest’ - to mark World AIDS Day. Beijing, China. 1 December 2008. 

Credit: UNAIDS

China 2 of 5 Many people of all ages gathered around the stadium to commemorate World AIDS Day. Beijing, China. 1 December 2008.

Credit: UNAIDS

China 3 of 5 The display illustrates China’s commitment to the AIDS response and in particular, to the fight against stigma and discrimination. Beijing, China. 1 December 2008.

Credit: UNAIDS

China 4 of 5 Strong commitment from the leadership was shown in the World AIDS Day opening ceremony in Beijing, China. 1 December 2008.

Credit: UNAIDS

China 5 of 5 The red ribbon flys high at the National Stadium in Beijing, China. 1 December 2008.

Credit: UNAIDS

Angola 1 of 4 A World AIDS Day march was held in Angola’s capital Luanda on 29 October 2008. The march was organized by ANASO, a network of civil society organizations who are united in their efforts to overcome the AIDS epidemic and its effects in Angola. Luanda, Angola, 29 October 2008.

Credit: UNAIDS

Angola 2 of 4 Joining civil society, faith based organizations and networks of people living with HIV on the march were the Government of Angola’s Ministers of Health, Women and Family, Social Communication, Trade as well as Vice-ministers of Heath and Veterans. The Vice Governor of Luanda also took part along with members of Parliament, the Ambassador of the United States of America, the Ambassador of Nigeria. Young people and national sports stars walked alongside private sector representatives. Luanda, Angola, 29 October 2008.

Credit: UNAIDS

Angola 3 of 4 The event was widely covered by national media and speeches were made by the Minister of Health, US Ambassador and UNAIDS Country Coordinator among others. Luanda, Angola, 29 October 2008.

Credit: UNAIDS

Angola 4 of 4 Voluntary HIV counselling and testing services are being made available from 1 to 7 December. World AIDS Day activities also took place in all of the provinces of Angola. Luanda, Angola, 29 October 2008.

Credit: UNAIDS

Russia 1 of 3 The photo exhibition “Stars against AIDS” was opened in the All-Russian State Library of Foreign Literature. The photography exhibit, sponsored by UNAIDS, brings together 25 women from Russia and Ukraine in a joint effort to combat the stigma that often surrounds HIV. Moscow, Russia. 1 December 2008.

Credit: UNAIDS

Russia 2 of 3 The opening was attended by 150 guests. Special guests at the opening were Lyudmilla Ulitskaya, writer, Diana Gurtskaya, singer, members of “Phoenix- Plus” and Serge Golovach, the photographer of the exhibition. Moscow, Russia. 1 December 2008.

Credit: UNAIDS

Russia 3 of 3 A special certificate on Red Ribbon Award was presented to non-governmental organization (NGO) Phoenix Plus by Marco Borsotti, UN Resident Coordinator in the Russian Federation. Phoenix Plus is the first Russian NGO to be awarded this Red Ribbon prize. Moscow, Russia. 1 December 2008.

Credit: UNAIDS

Thailand 1 of 3 Marking World AIDS Day, UN staff from the Asia Pacific region launched a “UN Cares” regional programme in Bangkok. Asia Pacific launch of UN Cares, Bangkok, Thailand. 1 December 2008.

Credit: UNAIDS

Thailand 2 of 3 The lighting of two red candles – which according to Asian tradition marks a new beginning. Asia Pacific launch of UN Cares, Bangkok, Thailand. 1 December 2008.

Credit: UNAIDS

Thailand 3 of 3 (from left) Dr Muna-McQuay (UN Cares Regional Coordinator), Mr Geoff Manthey (Regional Programme Advisor), Mr Robert Sutherland (UN+ representative), Ms Heyzer (Executive Secretary, ESCAP), Mr Prasada Rao (RST Director) at the close of the launch. Asia Pacific launch of UN Cares, Bangkok, Thailand. 1 December 2008.

Credit: UNAIDS

Switzerland 1 of 6 An inter-religious service took place to commemorate WAD 2008 in the Temple de la Fusterie, in Geneva, Switzerland. 1 December 2008.

Credits: UNAIDS

Switzerland 2 of 6 Participants to the torchlight march to commemorate WAD 2008 in Geneva, Switzerland. 1 December 2008.

Credit: UNAIDS

Switzerland 3 of 6 Famous fountain in Geneva, displaying a red light to commemorate WAD 2008 in Geneva, Switzerland. 1 December 2008.

Credit: UNAIDS

Switzerland 4 of 6 Kristan Schoultz, Director of the Global Coalition of Women and AIDS at UNAIDS spoke at the cocktail with the International Community to commemorate WAD 2008 in Geneva, Switzerland.1 December 2008. 

Credit: UNAIDS

Switzerland 5 of 6 Participants to the cocktail with the International Community to commemorate WAD 2008 in Geneva, Switzerland. 1 December 2008.

Credit: UNAIDS

Switzerland 6 of 6 To close the programme on world AIDS Day events, a dinner was held with the International Community to commemorate WAD 2008 in Geneva, Switzerland. 1 December 2008.

Credit: UNAIDS