World AIDS DAY 2025: India’s global AIDS control success

World AIDS Day is held every year on 1 December to raise awareness of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, remember those who have died from HIV-related diseases, and support people living with HIV/AIDS. It was first flagged by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1988 and has since become a platform for governments, communities and individuals to unite in the fight against the disease. This year’s theme is “Conquering Disruption, Improving the AIDS Response”. This emphasizes the need not only to preserve past progress, but also to transform HIV services to make them more appropriate, equitable and community-led. This theme emphasizes the urgent need to address the disruptions caused by the pandemic, conflicts and inequalities that limit access to care. India celebrates World AIDS Day every year through nationwide awareness campaigns, community outreach activities and renewed government commitments led by the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.