It's been 38 years since the first World AIDS Day in 1988, and there have been so many incredible advancements in the prevention and treatment of HIV in that time. Now, with timely diagnosis, good access to medical care, and adherence to HIV treatment, someone with HIV can have a similar life expectancy to an HIV-negative person. But, while many countries have made great strides towards meeting UNAIDS targets for diagnosis and treatment, HIV remains a significant global public health issue.
An estimated 40.8 million people currently live with HIV, and in 2024 alone, 1.3 million people acquired HIV, with over 630,000 individuals dying from HIV-related causes. One of the greatest obstacles we still face in the fight against HIV and AIDS is the lack of access to reliable information, resulting in stigma, missed opportunities for early diagnosis and treatment, and poor health outcomes.
At aidsmap, we believe everyone has the right to quality information regardless of their background or location. Since we were founded in 1987, we have been committed to breaking down these barriers by providing accessible and accurate information about HIV prevention and treatment. This is the gateway to empowering people to protect themselves and others, advocate for better services, and challenge stigma and discrimination.
This World AIDS Day – 1 December – please consider a donation to support our work and help achieve our vision of a world where HIV is no longer a threat to health and happiness.