1 December 2024
Worldwide
On 1 December each year UNISON marks World AIDS Day.
World AIDS Day is a global movement to unite people in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Since 1988, communities have stood together to show strength and solidarity against HIV stigma and to remember lives lost.
In the UK, more than 105,000 people are living with HIV. Globally, an estimated 38million people live with the virus. More than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS related illnesses over the past 40 years, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.
Medical advances mean people with HIV in the UK can expect a long and healthy life and we now have the tools to stop HIV transmissions for good. But HIV continues to be highly stigmatised and misunderstood.
Did you know that a person who is receiving treatment for HIV may have an undetectable viral load, meaning they cannot pass on HIV? This is known as U=U.
Find out more about HIV testing and how you can support to end the stigma (NHS England)