World AIDS Day is an international event dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a life-threatening condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Every year, World AIDS Day is observed around the world on December 1 since 1988. The HIV virus attacks the immune system of the patient and reduces its resistance to other diseases. Hence, World AIDS Day is a global movement to unite people in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Each year, a new theme is chosen to highlight a specific aspect of the global response to HIV/AIDS. The theme of World AIDS Day 2025 is ‘Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response’.

World AIDS Day shines a light on the real experiences of people living with HIV, while celebrating the strength, resilience and diversity of the communities most affected. day is one of the eleven official global public health campaigns marked by the World Health Organisation (WHO). This day serves as a platform to remember those who lost their lives to the disease, and show support for people living with HIV. Slogans, Status, Images and HD Wallpapers To Share and Support HIV Awareness

World AIDS Day 2025 Date

World AIDS Day 2025 falls on Monday, December 1.

World AIDS Day History

In August 1987, World AIDS Day was first conceived by James W. Bunn and Thomas Netter, two public information officers for the Global Programme on AIDS at the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland. The duo took their idea to Dr. Jonathan Mann, Director of the Global Programme on AIDS (now known as UNAIDS), who liked the concept, approved it, and agreed with the recommendation. Following this, the first observance of World AIDS Day was held on December 1, 1988. World AIDS Day Images and HD Wallpapers for Free Download Online: Messages, Quotes and Sayings To Observe The Annual Global Event.

Bunn, a former television broadcast journalist from San Francisco, had recommended the date of December 1 that believing it would maximize coverage of World AIDS Day by western news media, sufficiently long following the US elections but before the Christmas holidays.  The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) became operational in 1996, and it took over the planning and promotion of World AIDS Day. Evey year since 1988, Popes have released a greeting message for patients and doctors on World AIDS Day.

World AIDS Day Significance

World AIDS Day aims to spread accurate information about HIV, break stigma, and promote compassion and acceptance. This global event encourages people to learn about prevention methods, the importance of early testing, and access to proper treatment like antiretroviral therapy, which helps individuals with HIV live long and healthy lives. World AIDS Day reinforces the message that with awareness, support, and timely care, we can move closer to a world free of AIDS.

On this day, schools, organisations, and communities conduct awareness drives, health camps, seminars, and remembrance events to show solidarity. Government and health officials, non-governmental organizations, and individuals around the world observe the day, often with education on AIDS prevention and control.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 01, 2025 06:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).