World AIDS Day 2023: 35 years on

Each year on 1 December, the world comes together to mark World AIDS Day. This event serves as a reminder of the global struggle to end HIV-related stigma, an opportunity to remember those who have died and a rallying call to continue working towards a day when HIV will no longer be a public health threat. This year marks the 35th commemoration of this important day with the theme ‘World AIDS Day 35: remember and commit’.

Over the years, the landscape of HIV/AIDS has undergone significant transformations. From the initial days when the virus was shrouded in fear and misinformation, to the present era where scientific advances have brought about substantial improvements in treatment and prevention, with nurses at the forefront of this evolving journey.

There are more than 107 000 people living with HIV in the UK (Balogun et al, 2023). Worldwide, it is estimated that 38 million people are living with the virus. Over the past 40 years, more than 35 million people have died of HIV- or AIDS-related illnesses (National AIDS Trust, 2023).