World AIDS Day 2021
Having claimed 36.3 million lives so far, HIV continues to be a major global public health issue. Although significant progress has been made in recent decades, division, disparity, and disregard for human rights are just some of the failures that have allowed HIV to continue as a global health crisis.
COVID-19 has further disrupted the services available to those living with HIV, making this progress even more challenging in recent years. In 2020, 680,000 people died from HIV-related causes, and 1.5 million people acquired HIV. At the end of 2020, there were an estimated 37.7 million people living with HIV, with two thirds of these living in the WHO African Region.
The theme of World AIDS Day 2021 is “End inequalities. End AIDS,” aimed at highlighting the growing inequalities in access to important HIV services. Here’s what you can do on World AIDS Day 2021:
- Buy a red ribbon to show solidarity to those living with HIV worldwide. You can do this via the National AIDS Trust online shop or by visiting a MAC Cosmetics branch in the UK.
- Get tested to find out if you have HIV, as getting treatment early can allow you to live a full, healthy, and productive life.
- Fundraise for the National AIDS Trust – download the fundraising pack for more ideas and information here.
Visit the WHO website for more information on World AIDS Day 2021, including important facts and figures and downloadable campaign materials for you to share and raise awareness.
