World Aids Day

01.12.25 | Blog

Every year, 1^st December is marked across the world as World AIDS Day. It’s an opportunity to raise awareness of the AIDS pandemic which is caused by the spread of HIV infection; and to remember those we have lost and those who are living with HIV.

World AIDS Day is a particularly important day in Manchester because so many communities in our city have been adversely affected by HIV/AIDS.

Since being discovered in the early 1980’s, our understanding of HIV has come a long way. Thankfully, HIV treatment is so advanced today, people can reduce the amount of HIV in their bodies to undetectable levels, which not only benefits their own health, but also means the chances of passing on HIV to someone else during sex is zero.

Here at We Are Survivors, we work closely with our friends at George House Trust to celebrate the resilience, activism and progress that has shaped our communities. George House Trust, who celebrate their 40^th anniversary this year, have been at the forefront of HIV activism in Manchester. During this time they have stood alongside people living with HIV, providing support, challenging stigma, and advocating for change.

We’re very proud to work directly with George House Trust to deliver our joint campaign – ON IT – which celebrates it’s second birthday on World AIDS Day. ON IT is a harm-reduction campaign focussing on issues around sex, chems, HIV and consent. We’re really excited to announce that the ON IT website has had a fresh lick of paint in time for World AIDS Day and our upcoming ON IT Conference on 30^th January 2026. This conference – the first of its kind in Manchester – takes place at The Eagle Manchester and will be ground-breaking in starting and continuing important conversations about consent and chemsex. You can find out more about the conference and how you can get involved at our new-look website – www.onit.org.uk

EVENTS

Running until 31^st December 2025 at Manchester Central Library, ’Acting Up! 40 Years of HIV Activism in Greater Manchester’ is a fascinating exhibition celebrating and marking the activism of the last 40 years. It’s absolutely worth a visit. More details at https://librarylive.co.uk/event/acting-up/

The traditional George House Trust World AIDS Day Candlelit Vigil takes place on 1^st December in Sackville Gardens. Full details available at www.ght.org.uk