Dhaka: The World AIDS Day is being observed on Thursday in the country as elsewhere across the globe, aiming to raise mass awareness, especially among the youth, to prevent the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

The theme of the day this year is, ‘Leadership, Commitment, Impact.’

The World AIDS Day is observed on 1 December every year to raise awareness about acute immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) caused by HIV, and to demonstrate international solidarity in the face of the endemic.

The day is an opportunity for public and private partners to disseminate information about the status of the pandemic and encourage progress in HIV prevention, treatment and care around the world, particularly in high prevalence countries.