Got an idea for a new holiday? Let us know!
Submit Holiday

World AIDS Day

Join the fight against AIDS this World AIDS Day - help spread awareness, donate to a cause, and take part in activities that make a difference!
Weekly And Monthly Reports - Techcloud X Webflow Template
When it is?
December 1
Growth - Techcloud X Webflow Template
Category
Health
Location Icon
Country
International
Introduction

World AIDS Day on December 1 is a day to come together in solidarity and raise awareness about HIV and AIDS. This international health day was first recognized by the World Health Organization in 1988, since when it has grown into an important global event which draws attention to the issues surrounding HIV/AIDS. Let's join forces this year and make a difference!

History of World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day Dates

World AIDS Day Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1981</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Recognition of AIDS</div><div class='timeline-text'>AIDS was recognized as a new health issue by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with the disease earlier being detected in 5 young men in Los Angeles.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1983</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Identification of HIV</div><div class='timeline-text'>Scientists discovered HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) as the virus that causes AIDS.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1987</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Antiretroviral Drug</div><div class='timeline-text'>AZT, the first antiretroviral drug used to manage HIV infection, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1988</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Initiation of World AIDS Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The World Health Organization designated December 1 as World AIDS Day to promote awareness and to remember those who have died from the disease.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1996</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Introduction of HAART</div><div class='timeline-text'>Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), a combination therapy, became the standard treatment for HIV, leading to a significant drop in AIDS-related deaths.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Efforts Against HIV/AIDS</div><div class='timeline-text'>Global efforts, such as the creation of the Global Fund and PEPFAR, made significant strides in fighting HIV/AIDS worldwide with funding for prevention, treatment, and research.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate World AIDS Day

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Educate yourself</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the time to read up on HIV/AIDS, its symptoms and treatments.  Learning more about the disease and how it affects so many people is a great way to show your support.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Make a donation to an organization that works towards ending HIV/AIDS, such as the World Health Organization or the Global Fund. You don't need to donate a large amount - even a small contribution can help make a difference.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Look for local organizations that provide support to those living with HIV/AIDS, and volunteer your time. You can help out in any way - from running errands, helping with transportation, or providing emotional support.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Spread awareness</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Write letters to newspapers or magazines encouraging people to get tested for HIV/AIDS and speaking out against discrimination of those affected. You can also post informative social media statuses or write blog posts to raise awareness.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend an event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find an event in your city that is held in honor of World AIDS Day and attend it. These events often include speakers, activists, musicians, health professionals, and more - all coming together to create awareness and fight against AIDS.</p></div></div>

Why World AIDS Day is Important

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It creates awareness</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>World AIDS Day is a powerful reminder of the impact that HIV and AIDS has had on individuals and communities around the world. It is an opportunity for governments, organizations and individuals to come together and make their voices heard as they work to reduce stigma and raise awareness about the disease.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It unites people in solidarity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>On World AIDS Day, people of all backgrounds, countries, and perspectives come together to show their support for those affected by or living with HIV/AIDS. It's a day where one voice unites us all in our united fight against HIV/AIDS.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It encourages testing & prevention</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>HIV/AIDS continues to be one of the global health epidemics. By increasing awareness and encouraging people to get tested for HIV, World AIDS Day provides an important opportunity to remind everyone of the need for increased vigilance when it comes to preventing HIV infection.</p></div></div>

5 Astonishing Insights for World AIDS Day

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>AIDS has claimed more than 32 million lives so far</h3><p class='facts-text'>Since its discovery, HIV/AIDS has caused an estimated 32 million deaths worldwide. However, thanks to the concerted efforts of the global community, the rate has been decreasing since its peak in 2005.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Over 1.7 million people were newly infected with HIV in 2019</h3><p class='facts-text'>Despite advancements in treatment and understanding of the disease, the global incidence of new HIV infections remains high. In 2019 alone, more than 1.7 million people worldwide were newly infected with HIV.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Children are greatly affected by the disease</h3><p class='facts-text'>An estimated 1.8 million children under the age of 15 were living with HIV in 2019, mostly sub-Saharan Africa, where the virus is most prevalent. Many contracted the disease from their HIV-infected mothers during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Access to antiretroviral therapy is increasing</h3><p class='facts-text'>More and more people are getting access to life-saving antiretroviral therapy. As of the end of 2019, 67% of adults and 54% of children with HIV were receiving lifelong antiretroviral therapy globally.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>HIV testing is crucial in controlling the spread of the virus</h3><p class='facts-text'>Testing is key in ensuring that people infected with HIV can access life-saving treatment and in preventing new HIV infections. However, as of 2019, only 81% of people living with HIV knew their status.</p></div></div>

World AIDS Day FAQs

When is World AIDS Day?

World AIDS Day is celebrated on December 1st every year. In 2024, World AIDS Day will occur on a Sunday.

World AIDS Day Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Dec 1

Friday

2024

Dec 1

Sunday

2025

Dec 1

Monday

2026

Dec 1

Tuesday

2027

Dec 1

Wednesday

Health Holidays