The United Nations (UN’s) World Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Day is annually observed across the globe on 1st December to raise awareness about Human Immunodeficiency Viruses (HIV)/ AIDS and to encourage solidarity in the fight against the disease.
Theme:
2025 Theme: “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response”
Focus: Focuses on addressing disruptions in HIV services and transforming global AIDS response mechanisms.
Exam Hints:
- Event: World AIDS Day 2025
- When? 1 December 2025
- 2025 Theme: Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response
- First Observance: 1988
- Lead Organisations: WHO; UNAIDS
- Implementing Body in India: Since 1992, National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), MoHFW
- 2025 Event in India: National-level event at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, presided over by Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, MoHFW.
Background:
Origin: In August 1987, James W. Bunn and Thomas Netter of World Health Organization (WHO)’s Global Programme on AIDS proposed the concept of World AIDS Day in Geneva, Switzerland.
First Observance: The first World AIDS Day was observed on December 1st, 1988, led by the WHO.
Leadership: The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) led World AIDS Day campaigns until 2004, after which the World AIDS Campaign (WAC)’s Global Steering Committee began selecting themes with input from civil society and partner organizations.
Symbol – Red Ribbon: The red ribbon represents solidarity with people living with HIV, honors those lost to AIDS, and was chosen for its association with blood and passion, according to the Red Ribbon Project founders.
Observance in India: Since 1992, India’s National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoFHW) has commemorated World AIDS Day annually on December 1st.
About HIV/AIDS:
Definition: HIV is a virus that weakens the immune system by attacking cells that protect the body from infections, and it spreads through contact with specific bodily fluids of an infected person.
Progression: If untreated, HIV can progress to AIDS, a severe stage of infection, though HIV can be managed effectively with Antiretroviral Therapy (ART).
Target: This World AIDS Day, let’s unite to advocate for strong political leadership, global cooperation, and human-rights-focused strategies to achieve an AIDS-free world by 2030.
Report 2025:
Report: On 25 November 2025, UNAIDS released its World AIDS Day 2025 Report titled “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response,” highlighting funding declines affecting low- and middle-income countries and emphasizing the resilience and innovation sustaining progress.
Global HIV Statistics 2024: In 2024, around 40.8 million people worldwide were living with HIV. Approximately 630,000 people died from HIV-related causes, and an estimated 1.3 million people were newly infected.
2025 Event in India:
Event: On 1st December 2025, Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, MoFHW, presided over the national-level World AIDS Day 2025 event held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, Delhi, organised by the NACO, MoFHW.
Resource Releases: 7th Edition of Sankalak, India HIV Estimates 2025, Research Compendium, and Information Technology (IT)-enabled Virtual Intervention Landing Page.
India’s HIV/AIDS Policy Framework:
HIV/AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017: Under the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017, Ombudsmen have been appointed in 34 States and Union Territories(UTs) to handle complaints of discrimination against people living with HIV (PLHIV).
National AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) Control Programme (NACP): Multi-phase programme launched in 1992 to reduce new infections, expand access to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), and enhance prevention strategies.
India’s Progress Under NACP-V (2021–2026):
Outlay: Rs 15,471.94 crore (Central Sector Scheme, CSS)
Goal: Support UN Sustainable Development Goal(SDG) 3.3 to end HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030
Focus: Comprehensive prevention, testing, treatment, and equitable access for High-Risk Groups (HRGs)
Key Milestones (2021–2025):
- HIV Testing: Increased from 4.13 crore (2020–21) to 6.62 crore (2024–25)
- Antiretroviral Treatment (ART): Access rose from 14.94 lakh to 18.60 lakh PLHIV.
- Viral Load Testing: Nearly doubled from 8.90 lakh to 15.98 lakh
Impact (2010–2024):
- 48.7% decline in annual new HIV infections
- 81.4% reduction in AIDS-related deaths
- 74.6% decline in mother-to-child HIV transmission
About the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS):
UNAIDS was officially established in 1994 through a UN resolution and became operational in 1996.
Executive Director – Winnie Byanyima
Headquarters – Geneva, Switzerland
