Today Is World AIDS Day 2022

First commemorated in 1988, World AIDS Day raises awareness of, and support for, those living with HIV and AIDS.

Dec. 1 is World AIDS Day.

First commemorated in 1988, World AIDS Day raises awareness of, and support for, those living with HIV and AIDS. It was created during the height of the HIV/AIDS pandemic that claimed millions of lives around the world, and was the first-ever health day recognized globally.

An estimated 1.2 million people in the U.S. are infected with the HIV virus, according to HIV.gov. Of those individuals, approximately 13% might not be aware of their status. While new cases of HIV have steadily declined over the past five years, the virus does continue to disproportionately impact racial minority groups and gay and bisexual men. 

Globally, around 38.4 million people have HIV, 54% of whom are women and girls. An estimated 1.5 million individuals contracted HIV in 2021 – a 32% decline in new infections since 2010.

This year, the World Health Organization (WHO) is asking individuals worldwide to recognize the ongoing need to fight the spread of HIV/AIDS through its awareness campaign, “Equalize.” 

“With global solidarity and bold leadership, we can make sure everyone receives the care they need,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in a statement made Thursday. “World AIDS Day is an opportunity to [reaffirm] and refocus on our shared commitment to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.”

Although new incidences of HIV are on the decline, and those living with HIV/AIDS can live long and healthy lives, many health officials agree that the virus remains a global health crisis that needs to be addressed. Testing “is an essential gateway to HIV prevention” and access to HIV care, according to HIV.gov.


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