December 1st is World AIDS Day

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 10:57:57 -0500
endaids, hivaidsawareness, knowyourstatus, stophivstigma, wad2025, worldaidsday

World AIDS Day is a global movement dedicated to uniting communities in the fight against HIV, honoring the lives lost to AIDS-related illnesses, and standing in solidarity with people living with HIV. Since 1988, this day has brought people together to confront stigma, share knowledge, and reaffirm our commitment to ending the HIV epidemic.

Globally, an estimated 38 million people are living with HIV. More than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS-related illnesses over the past four decades, making it one of the most significant public health challenges in modern history. Thanks to medical advancements, individuals living with HIV today can live long, healthy lives with proper treatment. We now have the tools to stop HIV transmission entirely, yet stigma and misinformation remain major barriers to prevention, care, and equity.

The Red Ribbon, created in 1991 by a group of artists seeking a symbol of compassion and support, has become the universal emblem of HIV awareness. Its bold red color represents the heart, passion, and commitment to supporting those affected by HIV.

World AIDS Day is an opportunity to highlight the real experiences of people living with HIV, celebrate the resilience of affected communities, and encourage the leadership necessary to end stigma and improve access to prevention and care.

UMBC World AIDS Day Event

Date: Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Location: The Commons 1A02 (next to the bookstore)

For the past three years, UMBC's Office of Health Promotion has hosted annual World AIDS Day events focused on education, awareness, and testing.

The 2025 World AIDS Day program will be held:

This event includes free, anonymous HIV testing, educational opportunities for reducing risk, and guidance on how to help break the stigma around HIV testing. Participants may also contribute to a panel honoring the AIDS Memorial Quilt, remembering and celebrating the unique lives of those who have been lost to HIV/AIDS.

This event is open to all individuals in accordance with UMBC's nondiscrimination policies.

Baltimore World AIDS Day Community Celebration
Hosted by Begin Anew and Community Partners

Date: December 1, 2025

Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM EST

Location: 4 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Lexington Market, Baltimore, MD

Begin Anew invites the community to its 4th Annual World AIDS Day Community Celebration, one of Baltimore's largest and most vibrant observances of the day. Guided by the theme, "Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, Embracing the Future," this event brings together residents, advocates, and partners for an uplifting afternoon of education, reflection, and celebration.
The program features keynote speaker Jason E. Farley and special awards recognizing local leaders who have dedicated their efforts to eradicating HIV/AIDS, advancing health equity, and expanding access to care. Attendees will experience moving tributes, personal stories, and moments that honor the resilience and contributions of those on the frontlines.
Guests will also enjoy a complimentary lunch, live entertainment, and opportunities to connect with advocates, service providers, and organizations addressing social determinants of health. The event is free and open to all, welcoming community members, families, and allies to join in solidarity and shared purpose.

World AIDS Day in Frederick County, Maryland

The Frederick County Health Department is partnering with The Frederick Center to provide free HIV testing and education in honor of World AIDS Day.

Event details:

Date: November 30, 2025

Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Location: The Frederick Center, 25 East 2nd Street, Frederick, MD 21701

This event is free and open to the public. Attendees will have access to confidential HIV testing, information on prevention strategies such as PrEP, and connections to local resources and support services. Knowing your status is an important step in prevention, treatment, and helping to reduce transmission.

Kenneth Melnick, Disease Intervention Specialist at the Frederick County Health Department, shared that World AIDS Day represents a commitment to community health and well-being, emphasizing the importance of ensuring everyone has access to testing and care.

The Frederick County Health Department also offers free walk-in HIV testing every Tuesday and Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, as well as appointments by phone.

How You Can Participate in World AIDS Day

Wear a Red Ribbon to raise awareness.

Get tested and encourage others to know their status.

Learn about HIV prevention methods, including PrEP.

Share accurate information to help combat stigma.

Honor loved ones affected by HIV or AIDS-related illnesses.

Support local and national organizations committed to HIV advocacy, care, and education.

Collective action continues to play a crucial role in ending the HIV epidemic. Through awareness, compassion, and a commitment to equitable access to care, we can work toward a future where HIV does not stand in the way of anyone's life.