HIV/AIDS Awareness Month & World AIDS Day
- Diversity & Inclusion Ministry
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
Beginning with World AIDS Day on December 1, the month of December invites global attention to HIV/AIDS—an epidemic that has shaped communities, families, and public health for more than four decades. Since 1988, World AIDS Day has brought people together to honor those living with HIV, remember the millions of lives lost, and strengthen the global commitment to prevention, treatment, and compassion.
HIV/AIDS Awareness Month calls us to fight stigma, expand understanding, and support efforts toward equitable access to care. While great progress has been made, HIV continues to impact more than 40 million people worldwide. Behind every statistic is a story of resilience, courage, and the ongoing struggle for justice in healthcare.
Quote
"The global HIV/AIDS epidemic is an unprecedented crisis that requires an unprecedented response. In particular it requires solidarity - between the healthy and the sick, between rich and poor, and above all, between richer and poorer nations. We have 30 million orphans already. How many more do we have to get, to wake up?" — Kofi Atta Annan, Former UN Secretary-General
Compassion has always been central to confronting HIV/AIDS. As Princess Diana famously reminded the world, “HIV does not make people dangerous to know. You can shake their hands and give them a hug. Heaven knows they need it.” Her words continue to challenge stigma and call us toward dignity and inclusion.
Prayer
God of healing and justice, draw near to all who live with HIV/AIDS, and to the families, communities, and caregivers who support them. Strengthen global efforts to expand access to prevention and treatment. Give courage to all who fight stigma, and inspire us to create communities of compassion, safety, and solidarity. May your hope guide us until every person can live with dignity and without fear.
Amen.
Action
Advocate for policies that ensure equitable access to HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care.
Learn about the social and economic inequities that continue to fuel the epidemic—and share what you learn with others.
Support local and global organizations working to end HIV/AIDS through education, medical care, and community outreach.
Join campaigns and events that uplift World AIDS Day and global health justice.
Speak out against stigma, discrimination, and misinformation surrounding HIV.
Wear a red ribbon to show solidarity and raise awareness.
