World AIDS day 2023

World AIDS day takes place each year on 01 December to unite the global population in the fight against HIV, show support for people living with HIV and commemorate those that have lost their lives from an AIDS-related illness.

Thanks to the success of anti-retroviral treatment, serious HIV related illness is now less common. The term 'AIDS' (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is now being less commonly used and instead 'late stage' or 'advanced' HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) are the preferred terms.

However, HIV continues to be a major global public health issue and has claimed more than 35 million lives since the virus was first identified in 1984, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.

• Today there are over 105,000 people in the UK and estimated 38 million people globally living with HIV.
• 98% of these people are on effective treatment and 97% can't pass on the virus to others.

The theme for this years World AIDS day is Rock the Ribbon. The red ribbon, which was created in 1991, is the universal symbol of awareness and support for those living with HIV. Wearing the ribbon is excellent opportunity to raise awareness about HIV and the stigma still experienced by those living with HIV.

Further information on World Aids Day campaigns can be accessed via the following links:

• National Aids Trust
• World Health Organization
• Terrence Higgins Trust

Further information is available on

• Blood Borne Viral Infections (Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV)
• HIV Positive Travellers
• HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)

Other HIV resources (UK):

• Public Health Scotland: HIV in Scotland
• UK Health Security Agency: HIV in the United Kingdom