[HIV-STD-Prevention] Today, December 1, We Observe World AIDS Day #u#

[Shelley Pearson (she/her)]

Today, December 1, we observe World AIDS Day, a time to honor the memory of the 44 million lives lost to HIV-related illnesses.

We stand in solidarity with those living with HIV and the communities that continue to be disproportionately affected. This day reminds us of our collective responsibility to work toward ending the HIV epidemic worldwide.

We also pay tribute to the advocates, trailblazers, and long-term survivors whose courage and persistence have shaped the fight for equity, justice, and access to care. Their legacy inspires us to keep moving forward together.

HIV testing, prevention, and treatment have all improved. We have the tools to end new HIV infections in Oregon.
The global theme for World AIDS Day 2025 is "Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response." Global leaders are highlighting the need for political leadership and collective response to the HIV pandemic, but the response starts with each of us. Here are some ideas for commemorating World AIDS Day. What can you do to help end HIV?


  1.  Review Oregon's 2025 Annual Progress Report (in English<https://www.endhivoregon.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/OHA_EndHIV_2025_AnnualProgressReport.pdf> and Spanish<https://www.endhivoregon.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/OHA_EndHIV_2025_AnnualProgressReport_Spanish.pdf>) which focuses on progress made towards our shared goals, and our five-year strategy<https://www.endhivoregon.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/OHA_EndHIVOregon_5-year-strategy-1.pdf> to End HIV/STI in Oregon, which focuses on the four pillars of diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and response.
  2.  Visit our data dashboards<https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/DISEASESCONDITIONS/HIVSTDVIRALHEPATITIS/Pages/countyleveldata.aspx> to see how HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, like syphilis and gonorrhea, are affecting different communities in Oregon, including yours.
  3.  Get tested<https://www.endhivoregon.org/testing/>. Testing is easy, but many Oregonians have never been tested for HIV. Ask your health provider, find a test site near you, or - if you are in an area where testing is limited - consider testing at home or other private settings using a mail-order self-testing kit.
  4.  Tell someone how treatment saves lives. People who test positive for HIV can start HIV medications as soon as possible - and live long, healthy, sexually active lives. People taking antiretroviral medication as prescribed have zero chance of transmitting HIV to sex partners (Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U)<https://www.endhivoregon.org/treatment/#image_content>)! Starting medication right away can improve a person's health and help prevent new infections.
  5.  Follow us on Instagram and share our End HIV/STI Oregon posts. @endhivoregon
  6.  Tell someone about PrEP! PrEP<https://www.endhivoregon.org/prep-pep/> pills, taken daily or around the time of sex, or getting a periodic injection, is 99% effective at preventing HIV and it's covered by most insurance.
  7.  Get tested for STIs<https://gettested.cdc.gov/>. Infections like syphilis and gonorrhea can often occur alongside HIV. Untreated STI can cause serious health complications, and some, including HIV and syphilis, can be passed from a pregnant person to their fetus.
  8.  Say thank you, volunteer, and/or donate to community partners: Community partnerships ensure that services are designed and led by communities. Find a local agency<http://www.endhivoregon.org/partners/> in your community and get involved.

Thank you for your dedication to ending new HIV infections in Oregon. HIV affects all of us - every person has an HIV status, and every person has a role to play in prevention, awareness, and support. By coming together as a community, we can stop new infections and ensure everyone has access to the care and resources they need.

It starts with each of us. It continues with all of us.

-HIV/STD/TB Section

Public Health Division
[Oregon Health Authority logo image]
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