World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day on 1 December brings together people from around the world to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and demonstrate international solidarity in the face of the pandemic. The day is an opportunity for public and private partners to spread awareness about the status of the pandemic and encourage progress in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care around the world. It has become one of the most widely recognized international health days and a key opportunity to raise awareness, commemorate those who have died, and celebrate victories, such as increased access to treatment and prevention services.

World leaders have set the targets to accelerate the HIV response and to “End AIDS by 2030”. Although the WHO European Region has made progress in tackling HIV, significant challenges remain in identifying and treating cases, as well as preventing new infections in the first place.

Every year on World AIDS Day, WHO/Europe together with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control publishes an annual report on HIV/AIDS surveillance in Europe including the number of HIV and AIDS cases in all 53 Member States.