by Emmanuel Giannakopoulos, staff reporter

World AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) Day is a time where people can come together and show their support in the fight against HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and/or AIDS. This is annually celebrated on the 1st of December.

“I do not like the idea of World AIDS day. People shouldn’t be gathering and showing their support in the fight against HIV and AIDS one day a year. If they were really showing their support, they would not need World AIDS Day,” junior Justin Tom said.

World AIDS Day was the first global health day. An estimated amount of 100,000+ people are living in the UK that have HIV. Overall there are 34 million people who have HIV. Although the virus was found in 1984 more than 35 million people have been killed by HIV or AIDS.

“I really like the idea of World AIDS Day, I feel like it’s very important and is very much needed in society nowadays so people don’t forget about HIV and AIDS,”  junior Nazeer Hashimi said.

There is still a big need to raise awareness, get funds for more research and improve education on reducing the risks of getting HIV or AIDS.