World AIDS Day 2023

Dec. 1

World AIDS Day:

December 1st is World AIDS Day. This annual event serves as a global reminder of the ongoing battle against HIV/AIDS. Established in 1988, its purpose is to raise awareness, honor those affected, and promote understanding of the virus. The day encourages education, prevention, and support for individuals living with HIV. Worldwide, red ribbons symbolize solidarity in the collective effort to create an AIDS-free future.

2023’s Theme:

The 2023 theme for World AIDS Day is “Let Communities Lead”.

Communities living with, and affected by, HIV, networks of people from key populations and youth leaders have been, and continue to be, essential for progress in the HIV response. They provide essential prevention, testing and treatment support services, build trust, generate innovative solutions, promote health, monitor the implementation of policies and programmes, and hold providers accountable.

The world can end AIDS with communities leading the way. That is why the theme for World AIDS Day this year is ‘Let communities lead’, and much more than a celebration of the achievements of communities, it is a call to action to enable and support communities in their leadership roles.

90-90-90 Goals:

The United Nations introduced the 90-90-90 targets to combat the AIDS epidemic globally. This initiative aims to have 90% of people living with HIV aware of their status, 90% of diagnosed individuals receiving sustained antiretroviral therapy, and 90% of those on treatment achieving viral suppression. These targets demonstrate the potential impact of global solidarity, evidence-based action, and multisectoral partnerships in curbing the spread of the virus.

HIV/AIDS in Canada:

Monitored by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), the HIV epidemic in Canada saw an estimated 62,790 people living with HIV at the end of 2020. Approximately 90% of these individuals were diagnosed and aware of their HIV status. Notably, Canada has made progress in meeting two out of three 90-90-90 goals, with 48,660 people estimated to have started treatment and 46,100 achieving viral suppression. This data underscores both achievements and areas for continued focus in the country's fight against HIV/AIDS.

What World AIDS Day means to medsEXPERT:

World AIDS Day for our medsEXPERT team means working as a community to combat stigma, increase access to PrEP, PEP & HIV medications and educating community members about HIV treatment and prevention. This is how we empower our community and contribute to the United Nation’s 90-90-90 targets. Speak with one of our pharmacists or clinicians today!

Learn more!