World AIDS Day is an awareness event that highlights the importance of preventing the spread new HIV infections, as well as provide resources to those globally who live with HIV.
The first World AIDS Day took place way back in 1988 and has since been an important day to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS, as well as honour those who have lost their lives to the virus. While there has been amazing progress in the management and prevention of HIV, it is still a disease that affects many, and there’s quite the ways to go.
When is World Aids Day?
World Aids Day takes place on Monday, 1st December 2025 and aims to support people living with HIV and educate about what it’s like to live with HIV in today’s world.
There is often a lot of confusion surrounding the realities of HIV and AIDS. So, we’re going to try and fill you in on some of the facts and figures before we move on to ways you can raise awareness in the workplace.
HIV and AIDS - what are they and what is the difference?
HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system. It stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus.
AIDS stands for acquired immune deficiency syndrome, and it develops as a result of the damages that HIV causes to the immune system. The immune system can then no longer fight off infections it normally would.
HIV and AIDS aren’t the same. AIDS develops when HIV is left untreated.
UK statistics on HIV and AIDS
- Approximately over 113,500 people are living with HIV in the UK
- An HIV diagnosis is given if an individual has a CD4 count below 350 cells/mm³ within three months (91 day) of diagnosis
- People who are diagnosed late will have been living with undiagnosed HIV for around 3 to 5 years on average
- Between 2022 and 2023, the HIV testing rate rose by 11%
- In the UK, 39% of people living with HIV (PLWHIV) in the 2022 Positive Voices survey reported a diagnosed mental health condition, including high rates of depression (31.7%) and anxiety (28.5%)
Raising awareness in the workplace
The statistics highlight how the conditions can affect people’s mental health and wellbeing. We also have to account for those living with HIV and are unaware they have the condition. When employers take action and raise awareness of AIDS and HIV, it opens the conversation in the workplace and can contribute to reducing mental health stigma. Employees are then more likely to speak up should they have any health-related concerns. This year, try out one of the ideas below.
1. Host an awareness day event
On the big day, you can raise awareness by hosting a talk on the topic of AIDS. All it takes is a quick half an hour at lunchtime. Educate employees on the facts and figures, preventions and treatments. The session will show your willingness to support people suffering from the condition.
2. Hold a fundraiser
National Aids Trust is a charity that champions the rights of people living with HIV and raises awareness on a global scale. You could host a challenge in the workplace, have your very own bake off or hold a raffle and donate all the proceeds. It’s a great way to get employees engaged and involved with the project too.
3. Distribute free red ribbons
You should also encourage staff to wear them as much as possible – not just for World AIDS Day. This shows solidarity and continued support.
4. Actively share resources
Just like you circulate organisational happenings, it’s important to regularly share information on important conditions such as HIV and AIDS. Not only does it show you care as an organisation, but it shows commitment to your people that you put an important issue at the heart of your company culture.
What employers need to do know employees with AIDS
An employee, and rightfully so, may not wish to disclose their AIDS diagnosis. If you observe absences related to their health – whether physical or mental – it's worth having a confidential chat to see if they need your support.
In these instances, they employee may disclose their health condition. And when they do, they must be supported by you as an employer. Under the Equality Act 2010, employers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments for an employee with HIV/AIDS, as a person diagnosed with HIV is automatically considered disabled from the point of diagnosis.
While individual needs vary, this may involve allowing flexible shifts to accommodate appointments with their sexual health clinic, or working from home when symptoms are especially tough to deal with. It may also be a good idea to conduct an occupational health assessment to discern what’s needed to support the employee.
It’s also worth educating yourself, as well as HR and leadership teams, about the treatments and other support available for employees with AIDS, or those looking to prevent contracting it. These include:
- PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) - an anti-viral medication (or series of) used as a preventative measure from contracting the infection
- ART (antiretrovirals) - medication (or a series of) for those with the infection
- Trusts and charities such as the National AIDS Trust or Terrence Higgins Trust
How an Employee Assistance Programme can help
If an individual in your organisation has HIV, it can feel isolating due to the ever-present stigma. It can also impact physical and mental health, which in turn can affect work and daily activities if they aren’t supported. By offering an EAP, the individual (as well as their immediate family) can gain access to counselling support that can help in working through the difficult feelings that come with a diagnosis. It can also support people who may already have the condition and are experiencing new mental health concerns that they need some support with. At HA | Wisdom Wellbeing, our counselling, financial and legal advice lines are available 24/7, 365 days a year no matter when you need our support.
