News

World AIDS Day

An important moment to reflect on the past and look to the future.

Means Happy

01 Dec 2024 — 4 min read

Each year, on 1 December, we mark World AIDS Day. It’s a tradition that began in 1988.

World AIDS Day is an opportunity for us all to highlight the importance of tackling HIV, to support everyone living with HIV, and to remember and commemorate everyone who has died from an AIDS-related illness.

Why does World AIDS Day matter?

Now that we’ve got the benefit of U=U and PrEP, which for many people has made HIV a much more manageable virus, it’s easy to lose sight of the work that still needs to be done on HIV.

Around the world, people are still acquiring HIV and people are still dying from AIDS-related illnesses.

Since HIV was identified in 1983, it has killed more than 35 million people.

World AIDS Day is an important opportunity for us to remind each other and the world’s governments that HIV is a continuing health issue that needs resources, research, and education.

How should I mark World AIDS Day?

There’s no right or wrong way to mark World AIDS Day – find something that feels meaningful to you. A lot of people will be wearing red ribbons – the sale of red ribbons is an important fundraising opportunity for charities and community organisations who work to tackle HIV and AIDS.

Getting an HIV test is also an important thing to do. Knowing your HIV status – and normalising regular testing – is a key step in stopping transmission of the virus and ensuring that people living with HIV are accessing medication.

Educate yourself on PrEP and U=U.

Watch a film to help deepen your understanding of our history with HIV.

Listen to some podcasts that explore how our community is continuing to navigate HIV and the aftermath of the AIDS epidemic.