As the world collectively paused on December 1st to commemorate the successes, losses, and continuing aspirations in the ongoing battle against HIV/AIDS, AHF marked World AIDS Day with special events in 29 countries worldwide, including 14 US cities from coast to coast in nine different states
To mark the 25th observation of World AIDS Day, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the largest global AIDS organization spearheaded free HIV testing and awareness events in 28 countries around the globe, including commemorations in 14 U.S. cities.
Under the pervading theme of “Treatment = Life / No Retreat on AIDS,” AHF’s global activities aimed to help people to know their HIV status, stay informed on the latest treatment and advocacy around the disease, and responsibly protect themselves and others from HIV infection.
AHF hosted or took part in 24 events from November 28 – December 7 in nine states throughout the United States – California, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, and Texas – commemorating the day of awareness and remembrance for the 35 million people lost to AIDS in the past 30 years.
In addition to the multitude of events occurring in the United States, AHF also participated in World AIDS Day testing and awareness events in 28 other countries worldwide: Argentina, Cambodia, China, Estonia, Ethiopia, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, India, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Lithuania, Mexico, Nepal, Netherlands, Nigeria, Peru, Portugal, Russia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Eswatini, Uganda, Ukraine, Vietnam, and Zambia.
“Knowing your HIV status is an important part of routine health maintenance, and it is crucial to get onto a healthy treatment regimen as early as possible if you’re living with HIV,” said Terri Ford, AHF’s Chief of Global Policy and Advocacy, of access to testing and treatment. “The fight against AIDS is far from over, and we need to continue reminding government officials at every level to do all they can to make treatment and prevention opportunities universally accessible.”