What Day Is It?World AIDS Day is held every year on December 1. The next one is December 1, 2026, a Tuesday. The day raises awareness of HIV and remembers the people who have died of AIDS-related illnesses.
How did World AIDS Day begin?
The idea came from Thomas Netter and James Bunn, two public information officers working on the World Health Organization’s AIDS programme, in 1987. The first World AIDS Day followed on December 1, 1988, and it is often described as the first global health awareness day.
What does the red ribbon mean?
The red ribbon was created in 1991 by the Visual AIDS Artists Caucus, a group of artists in New York. It became the best-known symbol of solidarity with people living with HIV, and many people wear one on December 1.
HIV and AIDS are not the same thing
HIV is the virus. AIDS is the most advanced stage of untreated HIV infection. With today’s treatment, people with HIV can live long and healthy lives, and someone whose viral load stays undetectable on treatment does not pass the virus on through sex. An HIV test is the only way to know your status.
Ways to mark the day
- Wear a red ribbon.
- Read one reliable source about HIV and share it.
- Challenge a myth when you hear one. HIV does not spread through hugging or sharing a meal.
- Get tested, or remind a friend that testing is simple.
This page is general information, not medical advice. For questions about your own health, talk to a doctor.
World AIDS Day dates
| Year | Date | Day of the week |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | December 1 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | December 1 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | December 1 | Friday |
Frequently asked questions
Is World AIDS Day always on December 1?
Yes. The date has been the same every year since 1988.
What colour is worn on World AIDS Day?
Red. The red ribbon has been the symbol of the day since 1991.