World AIDS Day is a global movement commemorated on December 1st every year to unite people in the fight against HIV and AIDS. At the forefront of this movement stands AIDS Healthcare Foundation, hosting initiatives worldwide to inspire action, raise awareness, and remind the global community that the HIV epidemic is far from over.
World AIDS Day, founded on December 1st, 1988, serves as a vital platform to raise awareness about the global HIV/AIDS epidemic. Each year, the observance focuses on different themes to educate the public on HIV treatment, prevention, and the ongoing fight against stigma. World AIDS Day also honors the memory of those who have passed away from AIDS-related causes. This year marks the 37th anniversary of this important day.
AHF’s Early Commemorations
AHF’s first hospice, the Chris Brownlie Hospice, held its ribbon-cutting ceremony on December 5th, 1988, just four days after the inaugural World AIDS Day.
In 1993, AHF participated in “A Day Without Art” to highlight the devastating impact of AIDS on the arts community. For this observance, art pieces displayed in the hospice entrance were covered for the day.
This year, AHF will raise its artistic voice at Art Basel Miami, speaking out against stigma and highlighting the history of how AHF has leveraged art to promote testing and treatment.
Over the years, AHF has found unique ways to mark World AIDS Day. In 1997, Out of the Closet hosted donation events, encouraging contributions and promoting special offers, including roving donation stations. In 2000, AHF honored fashion designer Nicole Miller at a World AIDS Day gala hosted by the California Fashion Industry Friends of AIDS Healthcare Foundation. This was the first time a female designer was recognized, with past honorees including Calvin Klein, Gianni Versace, and Thierry Mugler.
In 2003, AHF hosted the “Save a Life” fundraiser at West Hollywood’s ‘Here Lounge’ nightclub. The event featured a World AIDS Day benefit and martini night, with items from the hit TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer auctioned off to benefit AHF’s Global Immunity Program.
Global Reach through “One Million Tests”
AHF leadership joined HIV/AIDS activists for World AIDS Day commemorations in Uganda in 2001, a year before the first AHF global clinics opened in South Africa and Uganda.
By 2007, AHF expanded its focus to include HIV testing and treatment, hosting events in the U.S. and around the world, including in Cambodia, China, India, the Netherlands, Uganda, Vietnam, and South Africa, as well as across California, New York, and Florida.
In 2008, AHF launched the “One Million Tests” campaign with the ambitious goal of testing one million people for HIV through over 1,000 organizations in 72 countries between November 26th and December 1st.
In 2012, AHF launched the “End HIV Stigma” campaign, using the hashtag #EndHIVStigma to amplify the message on social media. This effort was sparked by the case of a middle schooler who was denied an education due to their HIV status, prompting AHF to advocate for their right to learn.
That year, Argentina set a Guinness World Record for the most HIV tests conducted at a World AIDS Day event—an important milestone in AHF’s global efforts.
Ambitious Goals: The 20×20 Campaign and Beyond
In 2014, AHF set an ambitious goal through the 20×20 campaign, aiming to get 20 million people living with HIV into care worldwide.
By 2015, with over half a million people under AHF’s care, AHF marked the achievement with a World AIDS Day celebration at the ArcLight Cinema in Los Angeles.
United under the theme “Keep the Promise”, AHF joined partners and people from over 30 countries in commemorating World AIDS Day in 2016. Events included vibrant concerts, artistic performances, HIV testing outreach, and condom distribution.
More than a thousand advocates, including entertainers Common, JoJo, Rosie Perez, and others, take part in AHF’s “Keep the Promise March” in Hollywood, CA on Nov. 30, 2016.
This march took place down historic Hollywood Boulevard on the eve of World AIDS Day to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and to persuade key decision-makers in the U.S. and around the globe to keep the promise and commit more funds to HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and treatment.
Iconic Performances and Global Awareness
Throughout the years, AHF has celebrated World AIDS Day with performances by iconic artists, including Janet Jackson, Christina Aguilera, and Jennifer Hudson, among others.
2017 marked AHF’s 30th anniversary, with a concert held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, featuring Mariah Carey, DJ Khaled, and Ne-Yo.
This year, the World AIDS Day celebration will take place in Miami, featuring Ricky Martin and DJ Spinderella.
World AIDS Day continues to be a powerful reminder that while progress has been made, the fight is far from over. AHF uses this day not only as a celebration but as a call to action, advocating for those living with HIV and pushing for continued awareness and education.
We are committed to ending the HIV epidemic—one test, one person, one community at a time.
This retrospective brought to you by Global, Archives, and Media.