02/12/2025
Yesterday, December 1st was World AIDS Day which began in 1988 to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS.
World AIDS Day encourages awareness within our community and across the world reminding us that HIV is still a global epidemic
In Australia, an estimated 30,890 people are living with HIV. Worldwide that is approximately 40.8 million (2024). On December 1st we also honour all those who have lost their lives from AIDS-related illnesses.
The 2025 theme “No One Left Behind” calls for addressing inequities in HIV prevention and care by improving access and outcomes for First Nations peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse communities and those living in regional and remote areas.
There are now highly effective prevention and treatment options that support better health outcomes and significantly reduce transmission which include:
• HIV testing to support early diagnosis and timely care
• PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) to prevent HIV
• PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) for protection following a potential exposure
• Antiretroviral treatment, enabling people living with HIV to maintain their health and achieve U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable)
