Today is World AIDS Day. Each year, on December 1, the world commemorates World AIDS Day with a clarion call for people around the world to unite and show support for people living with HIV and to remember those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses. World AIDS Day remains as relevant today as it’s always been, thereby reminding people and governments that HIV has not gone away. Each World AIDS Day focuses on a specific theme. This year the theme is “Equalize”. This year’s theme joins a growing list of challenges that World AIDS Day has alerted people globally. Discrimination against people with HIV/AIDS is the prejudice, fear, rejection and stigmatization of people with HIV/AIDS. This discrimination hinders access to HIV/AIDS screening and care around the world. People living with HIV face discrimination in many sectors, including healthcare, education and employment. WHO has called on global leaders and citizens to recognize and address the inequalities which are holding back progress in ending AIDS and equalize access to essential HIV services, particularly for children and those at risk of getting infected.
