12/01/2023
So much is possible when we come together to support, advocate and share. You may not think you know someone who has hiv - but you do.
There were 39 million people living with HIV in 2022, up from 31.5 million in 2010. Of the people living with HIV in 2022, 37.5 million were adults and 1.5 million were children under age 15. Although HIV testing capacity has increased over time, enabling more people to learn their HIV status, about one in seven people with HIV (14%) are still unaware they are infected.
World AIDS Day, observed annually on December 1st, is a global initiative to raise awareness about the HIV/AIDS pandemic, honor those who have lost their lives to the virus, and show support for individuals living with HIV. The day serves as a platform to promote education, encourage prevention, and eliminate the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS. Communities worldwide unite to emphasize the importance of testing, early diagnosis, and access to treatment and care.
World AIDS Day also provides an opportunity for governments, organizations, and individuals to reflect on progress made in the fight against HIV/AIDS and to address the challenges that persist. Red ribbons, a symbol of solidarity, are worn to demonstrate commitment to the cause. As the world strives towards achieving the UNAIDS goal of ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030, this day remains crucial in advocating for increased awareness, support, and collaborative efforts to eradicate HIV/AIDS globally.
What strategies or activities is your organization implementing to bring awareness about this aspect of health and wellness to your staff and colleagues? (The person sitting next to you might be the 1 in 7 who doesn't know their status...and that it's ok if they do regardless of the result.)
U = U (undetectable = untransmittable)
Awareness = Understanding
There is a ton of additional information here: https://loom.ly/RWWpcxI
National AIDS Trust