World AIDS Day is held each year on December 1. The first World AIDS Day took place in 1988. The day honors the lives affected by HIV and AIDS. It also reminds people of the work to prevent new HIV infections and to give care to all people living with HIV.
World AIDS Day in Charleston
Groups in Charleston marked the day with events. At one World AIDS Day observance on December 1, the Living AIDS Memorial Garden gave its Red Ribbon Award to the health department’s harm reduction program. On December 1, 2021, several groups offered quick, easy HIV tests at Covenant House in Charleston. See Harm reduction program wins Red Ribbon Award and This World AIDS Day, Get Tested for HIV.
HIV in Kanawha County
From 2019 to 2021, Kanawha County had an HIV outbreak among people who inject drugs. A CDC report counted 85 people in the outbreak from January 2019 to October 27, 2021. The health department and community partners held free HIV testing events across the county. See expanded HIV testing opportunities continue and Health Advisory #155.
The CDC says everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 should get tested for HIV at least once. People with certain risks should get tested at least once a year.