HIV is one of the greatest health and social issues to face humankind in more than 50 years.

More than 33 million people are currently infected around the world and it is estimated that unless significant intervention strategies are put in place, a further 30 million people will become infected with the virus by 2010. The majority of those newly infected with HIV are women and children (52 per cent). The numbers of people becoming infected daily are estimated at 14,000 and every minute at least six young people around the world contract the virus. This global catastrophe is already the leading cause of death in adults between the ages of 15-49 and was the cause of more than two million deaths in 2007.

December 1 is designated by the United Nations as World AIDS Day, and across the world many activities are undertaken to highlight the issues of HIV and AIDS. The Burnet Institute, Australia’s largest medical research and public health institute specialising in viral infectious diseases commemorates World AIDS Day every year.

2004-2007

In 2004 it held its first World AIDS Day Concert , the largest event staged in Australia highlighting this day. The 2004 Melbourne World AIDS Day Concert was held in Federation Square and was an outstanding success; attracting more than 10,000 people, providing an opportunity to educate the public about the issues of HIV and AIDS, and to raise much needed funds for Burnet’s medical research and public health programs.

Federation Square lends itself perfectly to events of this nature. The use of the Super Screen to highlight key messages and to promote sponsors was a significant advantage in having this event at Federation Square. The Melbourne World AIDS Day Concert generated significant media coverage with interest shown from most major metro print, a number of niche market magazines and electronic media. As a result of the success of the 2004 Melbourne World AIDS Day Concert and the continued need to build community awareness and support around the issues of global HIV and AIDS, Burnet continued the event until 2007.

As with the 2004 Concert, the Melbourne World AIDS Day Concert 2007 provided a forum for the communication of key health messages, and the issues of global HIV, as well as promoting the research and public health programs of the Burnet Institute and generating public support for our domestic and global activities.

2008…

In 2008 the decision was made to highlight Burnet’s work with HIV and AIDS in Africa and hold a fundraising event to raise money for our work in Mozambique. Celebrate Africa!, held on 28 November 2008 is Burnet’s 2008 World AIDS event, featuring the the music of Melbourne’s very own African Band Musiki Manjaro, our Youth Ambassador Collingwood footballer Heritier ‘Harry O’Brien’ talking about his recent trip to Burnet’s offices in Mozambique, a photographic exhibition, auction, raffle and more.