World AIDS Day is observed annually on December 1 to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, remember those who have died, and support people living with HIV. Established in 1988 by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations, it is the first global health awareness day.
The theme for 2025 is “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response,” focusing on strengthening healthcare systems, ensuring funding, addressing inequalities, and supporting community-led initiatives to end AIDS by 2030.
While scientific progress—such as antiretroviral therapy (ART), preventive tools like PrEP, and ongoing research toward a functional cure—offers hope, challenges like stigma, discrimination, and reduced funding continue to hinder progress worldwide.
In India, one of the largest HIV programs globally, awareness campaigns, improved ART access, and increased conversations around prevention methods are helping tackle both urban and rural challenges.
World AIDS Day serves as a reminder to promote education, testing, treatment access, and dignity for affected individuals—reinforcing global commitment toward ending AIDS as a public health threat.
