About World AIDS Day
What is World AIDS Day?
World AIDS Day is held on 1 December each year. It raises awareness across the world and in the community about HIV and AIDS. It is a day for the community to show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died of AIDS related conditions or other conditions associated with HIV.
What is is the World AIDS Day theme this year?
The national theme for World AIDS Day 2025 is “No one left behind”
This theme reflects the urgent need to address persistent inequities in HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and quality of life — particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, and marginalised communities including those in regional and remote areas across Australia. It also acknowledges our global responsibility on World AIDS Day to advocate for the reinforcement of global commitments in humanitarian aid and development, which is vital to ensuring continued access to HIV services and healthcare worldwide for all.
To ensure 'no one is left behind', we must confront both the systemic health inequalities faced by marginalised communities and the enduring stigma and discrimination that impacts and undermines the health, wellbeing, and quality of life of all people living with HIV. Stigma is a barrier to access to HIV testing, treatment, care and disclosure and can result in late diagnoses, poor mental health, social isolation and reduced quality of life. This theme calls for a united commitment to creating supportive environments where health outcomes are equitable, and all people living with HIV — in Australia and around the world — can thrive, free from discrimination, with full access to holistic healthcare to optimise their health outcomes and quality of life.
Why is World AIDS Day important?
World AIDS Day aims to encourage Australians to educate themselves and others about HIV; to take action to reduce the transmission of HIV by promoting prevention strategies; and to ensure that people living with HIV can participate fully in the life of the community, free from stigma and discrimination.
As a community and as individuals, there is a lot we can do in relation to HIV. Working in partnership with people with HIV, we can encourage others to understand how HIV is transmitted. We can support people to access testing, treatment and care, as we know that commencing treatment at the early stages of HIV results in better health outcomes and reduces the likelihood of onward transmission.
What can I do on World AIDS Day?
Show your support for people with HIV on World AIDS Day by wearing a red ribbon, the international symbol of HIV awareness and support. You can also get involved, attend, or volunteer at a local World AIDS Day event. Head to the Events page to find one near you.