2022 THEME: “Putting Ourselves to the Test: Achieving Equity to End HIV”

World AIDS Day has been observed annually on Dec. 1 since 1988. The day honors all of those who have lost their lives to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) and those who are infected with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). It also raises awareness of the pandemic and the spread of the virus and aims to break misconceptions about AIDS by educating people on prevention and control of the disease. Learn more.

Also, learn about other observance days throughout the year highlighting our concern for this worldwide disease. And see what information and insights the UMC’s Board of Church and Society offers in “HIV and AIDS: People with HIV have the right to full participation in the Church and society.” Included are: “What the Bible and The United Methodist Church Say,” “Three Things You Can Do” and “Related Resources.”

Want to know more and get involved? Check out the UMC’s Global AIDS Committee’s website and “It’s Not Fair and It’s Not Over.“

A Prayer for World AIDS Day

There are plagues aplenty, God of healing and wholeness. There is sickness of body and of soul. There is much for which we should work and pray for a just and equitable end. But for some reason, AIDS still bears a stigma that troubles so many. We may have resources in this country to help us control its effects, but there are places in our world that are ravaged by this disease. Open our eyes to the impact on those who are considered less than and who are often left to suffer because of the economics of race and politics. But help us see with hope the efforts of those who are working to bring much-needed medicines and treatments and who are caring for those who were orphaned by the epidemic. We give thanks for the workers, for the caregivers and doctors who are giving of themselves to this cause. And we weep with and for the families who are grieving and trying to survive. Show us how to be present with the hurting, both near and far on this World AIDS Day. Show us, O Lord of all people, how to care. Amen.

– Derek Weber, November 2022, From UMC Discipleship Ministries, Praying for Change