WTF Is World AIDS Day?

December 1st is an incredibly important day – it’s World AIDS Day.

Since AIDS was discovered back in 1981, more than 35 million people have lost their lives to HIV and AIDS. That’s a huge number, and one we’re committed to massively reducing.

So what exactly is World AIDS Day?

World AIDS Day is an opportunity for people across the world to show their support for the fight against HIV. It’s a much-needed reminder that although huge scientific advances have been made, HIV is far from gone.

Every day about 5,600 people contract HIV, and nearly half of them are adolescents. It’s the second biggest killer of young people around the world. There’s also still a huge problem with people not knowing how to properly protect themselves and others, as well as the discrimination faced by those living with the condition.

What can I do to help?

Show solidarity. Whether you choose to support World AIDS Day by donating money, wearing the red ribbon or simply just tweeting a message of love, every act, no matter how small, helps to raise awareness.

MTV Staying Alive Foundation

MTV Staying Alive Foundation provides funding and training to youth-led HIV prevention projects around the world. Their work helps these projects and their young leaders to develop vital skills to build innovative, culturally relevant and sustainable organisations that lead the fight against HIV on the ground.

Staying Alive also produces ground-breaking, original content that delivers vital HIV prevention messaging to a young international audience. To date, their programming has reached 100% of the top 50 countries affected by HIV, and has awarded 500 grants in 66 countries around the world, distributing over $5 million to grassroots HIV-prevention projects and directly benefitting 2.6 million young people.

Click here to donate to Staying Alive and read more about their amazing work.