World AIDS Day is held on the 1st December each year and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died. World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day, held for the first time in 1988.
It is estimated that about 34 million people globally are living with HIV and despite the virus only being identified in 1984, more than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.
Today, scientific advances have been made in HIV treatment, there are laws to protect people living with HIV and we understand so much more about the condition. Despite this many people are diagnosed with HIV every year, people do not know the facts about how to protect themselves and others, and stigma and discrimination remain a reality for many people living with the condition.
This World AIDS Day is challenging people to rethink outdated stereotypes, challenge myths and be positive about HIV, with our ‘Think Positive: Rethink HIV’ campaign. We will be rallying a movement of people to tell the truth about HIV. From awareness-raising bake sales to sharing stats and info online; there are many ways you can get involved.
