December 1 has been recognized as World AIDS Day around the globe since 1988. In an effort to raise global awareness of HIV/AIDS, to honor those who have died from related causes and promote solidarity with those who continue to live with it, the World Health Organization announced the date 35 years ago.
The United States, along with the other 192 other member countries have been a part of this recognition since that time.
But not anymore.
For the first time since 1988 the US Federal government, under Donald Trump’s direction will not formally recognize or commemorate World AIDS day for 2025.
Their reason?
According to state department spokesman Tommy Pigott who spoke with the New York Times, an “awareness day is not a strategy” and the government is purportedly focusing on direct engagement with foreign governments to save lives.
Federal employees and grantees have been instructed to refrain from publicly promoting World AIDS day through any communication channels, including social media, speeches or other public facing messages and not to use government funds for commemorative activities.
Activists and critics disagree with the decision and believe the reason for disavowing AIDS Awareness Day is nothing more than an attempt at cancel culture by erasing the presence of individuals dealing with HIV and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
The decision comes amid broader concerns about funding cuts and operational challenges for HIV/AIDS service organizations around the country and access to medication for individuals.
More than 40 million people around the world are currently living with HIV and approximately 44 million globally have died as a result of complications from HIV infection.
Disregarding those overwhelming numbers, on his second day in office Trump issued presidential orders that resulted in the cancellation of over $125 million dollars in National Institutes of Health grants for LGBTQ-focused health research.
Despite the federal level directives, state, county, city and non-profit organizations are continuing to recognize World AIDS day across the United States, including here at home with the Mecklenburg County Health Department hosting a World AIDS Day event at the Valerie C. Woodard Center with guest speakers, a candlelight vigil and an art exhibit; House of Mercy’s World AIDS Day luncheon and RAIN’s annual World AIDS Day Luncheon.