World AIDS Day 2024

On December 1, 2024,  World AIDS Day (WAD)  is being commemorated internationally under the  theme “Take the rights path: My health, my right!” and nationally with the call of “Collective Action: Sustain and Accelerate HIV Progress”

Let’s celebrate in RED. Red is the designated color for awareness ribbons specifically dedicated to HIV/AIDS.

Two World Health Organization (WHO) public information officers started WAD in 1988 as an international day for global health. Since then, it has been observed each year on December 1 and brings together people from around the world to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and demonstrate international solidarity in the face of the pandemic. This day is intended to remember those affected by HIV/AIDS, including those living with HIV, remembering the lives we have lost by the epidemic, and bringing overall awareness to HIV/AIDS.

Here, in Memphis, TN, we are ranked number 2 for HIV transmissions within Transitional Grant Areas (TGA) and Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA) US, including US territories. Within the last year, Memphis, TN has been highlighted for an increase in HIV and Syphilis transmissions specifically with our youth. It does not have to be this way.

In conjunction with the National Theme for WAD: “Collective Action: Sustain and Accelerate HIV Progress,” we here in Memphis center together as one community acknowledging the public health concerns and unified in the need for action. End HIV 901 is just that, a collective whole of community stakeholders taking action and ready to make an impact with innovative strategies introduced to make a change.

Let us remember HIV/AIDS is preventable. We put together resources of events locally and nationally to continue to promote the HIV/AIDS community at large as we unite and celebrate the call to action. Let’s begin the conversation and start talking about HIV as we aim to increase awareness as a method of prevention. Check out the WAD events locally and nationally and come join in the movement to sustain and accelerate progress to end HIV!