World AIDS Day 2026

December 1st is

Let’s Stop HIV Stigma

We have the tools to end HIV. Yet people are still being diagnosed with HIV—too often because misinformation and stigma keep them from getting tested, seeking care or feeling supported. Outdated beliefs and unfair assumptions about HIV affect how people see themselves and how others treat them. Everyone deserves care, support and the freedom to make choices about their health without fear or judgment.

When we challenge myths and listen to the stories of people living with or impacted by HIV, we move closer to ending both HIV and the stigma surrounding it. That means having honest conversations, making room for different experiences and recognizing that HIV can affect people of all genders, orientations and ages.

Join Caracole and our community partners in raising awareness, challenging stigma and building a future where everyone can live with dignity and get the care they need.

World AIDS Day Events

There are many ways to honor lives, raise awareness and challenge HIV stigma—on World AIDS Day and throughout the year.

Participate

Join us and community partners* for an evening of free music, art and storytelling. Together, we’ll honor lives, advance HIV awareness and renew our community’s commitment to ending the HIV epidemic, with heartfelt tributes, free food and time to connect.

Tuesday, December 1 @ 6:00–8:00 PM
Cincinnati Museum Center

Learn

Caracole is once again partnering with regional libraries to share the facts about HIV. Explore books, films and other resources at participating libraries that highlight the experiences of people living with or impacted by HIV and help challenge stigma.

November 29–December 5
Participating Libraries

Take Action

World AIDS Day is one day. Standing up to HIV stigma can happen all year long. The Ohio Health Modernization Movement is working to change the way Ohio understands and responds to HIV by challenging outdated beliefs and advancing policies that reflect current science. Stay informed, speak up and help build a future where everyone can live with dignity, equity and access to care.

* In partnership with Equitas Health, The Christ Hospital Health Network, City of Cincinnati Health Department, Cincinnati Men’s Chorus, Gilead Sciences, The Healthcare Connection, Humble Hearts for Women, Hamilton County Public Health, Mercy Health, MUSE Cincinnati’s Women’s Choir, NKYHealth, TriHealth, UCHealth, & University of Cincinnati

November 29–December 5

Read, Watch, Listen & Learn

For the fourth year in a row, Caracole is partnering with regional libraries to share facts about HIV and challenge stigma. From November 29–December 5, library partners will highlight books, films, plays and other materials that explore the real stories of people living with or impacted by HIV—past and present.

By debunking myths and misinformation, we can improve understanding, break down stigma and create a world free from fear and discrimination. Visit your local library to learn, reflect and share the facts—because knowledge is power.

HIV

Quick Facts

The greatest threat to our public health is lack of information and access. Our local community must have open discussions about HIV status and stigma. Let’s all do our part: learn the truth, break down barriers and create a world free from the myths, fear and discrimination surrounding HIV. Then, pass it on — knowledge is power!

Learn about HIV

Since the first reported cases of HIV in the early 1980s, both the disease and its diagnosis have changed drastically. Today, we have a wider range of tools and approaches than ever before to prevent HIV transmission, and thanks to groundbreaking treatments, people living with HIV can lead longer and healthier lives. It's crucial that we understand the basics about HIV and how it spreads in order to put an end to the epidemic.
HIV In the US

Around the world, about 37 million people are living with HIV. In the US, about 1 in 8 people who have HIV don’t know it and about 32,100 people get infected with HIV every year. Follow progress on America’s HIV Epidemic Analysis Dashboard.
Know Your Status

You could have HIV and still feel healthy. The only way to know for sure whether you have HIV is to get tested. Everyone ages 15 to 65 needs to get tested at least once. Some people may need to get tested more often. Find out about our free HIV testing options.
Prevention Is Possible

For people at risk for HIV, there’s PrEP, a medication that protects against HIV infection. When combined with additional strategies, like condoms, safer sex practices and harm reduction behaviors, PrEP can keep you safe and help prevent the spread of HIV. Learn if PrEP is right for you.
Treatment as Prevention

People living with HIV can enjoy long, healthy lives thanks to antiretroviral therapy or ART. And successful treatment can also prevent HIV transmission. It’s known as U=U or undetectable equals untransmittable. Discover how starting and staying on ART can keep you or someone you love healthy and can prevent HIV transmission.
Overall Well-Being

Sadly, inequitable access to health care, lack of information, stigma, racism, discrimination and current HIV criminalization laws are reasons why people don’t test, treat or prevent HIV, continuing the HIV epidemic in our nation and in our local community. Learn why health equity is important in the fight against HIV.
Lend a Hand

We know that an end to new HIV infections is possible within our lifetimes. Your support can help us reach all affected communities and help us reach this goal sooner. Learn how easy it is to get involved at Caracole.