World AIDS Day is a global initiative to raise awareness, fight stigma, and improve education about HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. World AIDS Day is December 1.
Around the world, about 37 million people are living with HIV. In the United States, almost 40,000 people get HIV every year. Many people infected with HIV don’t know they have it.
The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested. It’s important that everyone ages 15 to 65 gets tested for HIV at least once. Some people may need to get tested more often.
How can World AIDS Day make a difference?
We can use this day to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, encourage people to get tested, and take action to support people living with HIV.
Here are just a few ideas:
- Encourage people to get tested for HIV. Let them know that some health clinics offer free HIV testing.
- Encourage parents to talk with their kids about how to prevent STDs.
- Wear a red ribbon, the symbol of HIV awareness and support. Tell people why you are wearing it. You can order a red ribbon online
– or make your own.
How can I help spread the word?
We’ve made it easier for you to make a difference. This toolkit is full of ideas to help you take action today. For example:
- Add information about World AIDS Day to your newsletter.
- Tweet about World AIDS Day.
- Host a community event where people can learn about local health resources and options for HIV testing.
- Add this Web badge to your website.
Find More Information
- World AIDS Day Campaign
World AIDS Day Sponsor - HIV.gov
Department of Health and Human Services - HIV.gov’s Guide to Planning Awareness Day Activities
Department of Health and Human Services - HIV Basics
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Living with HIV
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Women and HIV
Office on Women’s Health - HIV, AIDS, and Older People
National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging - HIV/AIDS
National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Learn the Link – Drugs and HIV
National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse - Let’s Stop HIV Together
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention