World AIDS Day : Standing Together to End HIV in the UK
- Chichester Pride
- 21 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Every year on 1 December, the UK joins the world in marking World AIDS Day a time to remember those we’ve lost, to show support for people living with HIV and to renew our shared commitment to ending new HIV transmissions by 2030.
Over the past four decades, incredible progress has been made. Thanks to advances in testing, treatment and education, people living with HIV in the UK can now expect to live long, healthy lives. But stigma and misunderstanding still persist and that’s something each of us has the power to change.
The Power of the Red Ribbon
The red ribbon remains one of the most recognised symbols of hope and solidarity. On 1 December, wearing one shows compassion and support - it says YOU care, that you stand against stigma and that you believe in equality for everyone affected by HIV.
You can pick up a red ribbon from the Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) or from local community organisations across the UK. Whether you wear it at work, at school, or on social media, that small act carries a powerful message: we’re in this together.
The UK’s Goal: Ending New HIV Diagnoses by 2030
The UK has set an inspiring goal to end new HIV diagnoses by 2030. That means making sure everyone knows their HIV status, can access effective treatment and feels supported to live without fear or shame.
Today, people who are diagnosed early and take HIV medication can live full, healthy lives and if their viral load is undetectable they cannot pass the virus on (Undetectable = Untransmittable, or U=U).
To reach the 2030 goal, we need to:
Increase access to testing, especially for those most at risk.
Tackle stigma and misinformation wherever they appear.
Ensure equal access to treatment and care in every community.
The Terrence Higgins Trust: Leading the Fight in the UK
The Terrence Higgins Trust has been a cornerstone of HIV support and awareness in the UK since 1982. Founded in memory of Terry Higgins, one of the first people in the UK known to have died from an AIDS-related illness. THT continues to lead the way in education, support and advocacy.
They provide:
Free and confidential HIV testing nationwide.
Counselling and peer support for people living with HIV.
Campaigns and education to fight stigma.
Advocacy and research to drive change in health and policy.
Learn more or get involved at www.tht.org.uk
Community in Action: Jordan Chan’s Red Ribbon 2026 Calendar
This year and in previous years, Jordan Chan, a passionate organiser from Swale Pride, is taking the message of solidarity further with the creation of the Red Ribbon 2026 Calendar - a project celebrating compassion, visibility and community spirit.
Created with the talented eye of Mark Lister Photography, the calendar is not just a visual tribute but a heartfelt campaign to raise funds for both The Sussex Beacon and the Terrence Higgins Trust - two organisations that continue to change lives across the UK.
Calendar LINK
“For World AIDS Day it’s important we don’t forget, we honour those we’ve lost, those who fought and for those still sadly facing stigma and discrimination today. In an ever-scary changing landscape for the LGBTQ+ community, we need to be kinder and more compassionate to each other and stick together.”
– Jordan Chan, Swale Pride
Jordan’s initiative reflects what World AIDS Day is truly about: people coming together to support one another, challenge stigma and celebrate resilience. Through creativity and community spirit, this project is helping raise awareness and funds that make a real difference.
Compassion, Kindness and Action
World AIDS Day isn’t only a day of remembrance, it’s a call to action. A moment to learn, to support and to show kindness.
If you’re living with HIV, know that you are not alone. With treatment and support you can live a full and fulfilling life. The stigma that remains is not your burden to carry - together, we can end it.
If you’re not living with HIV, you can still help:
Wear your red ribbon on 1 December.
Challenge myths and prejudice wherever you see them.
Support charities like Terrence Higgins Trust and The Sussex Beacon.
Share the message, educate others and get tested.
A Shared Hope
The dream of ending new HIV diagnoses in the UK by 2030 is within reach but only if we continue to care, to act and to stand together.
So, this World AIDS Day, let’s wear our red ribbons proudly. Let’s speak with kindness. Let’s support one another.
Together, we can end HIV and end the stigma for good.
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