L.A. CADA is marking World AIDS Day on December 1st, and throughout the month of December. World AIDS Day is a global movement to unite people in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Since 1988, communities have stood together on World AIDS Day to show strength and solidarity against HIV stigma and to remember lives lost.

In 2024, an estimated 38 million people live with the HIV virus, and more than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS related illnesses over the past 40 years. This makes HIV one of the most destructive pandemics in history. Medical advances mean people with HIV can expect a long and healthy life and it means we have the tools to stop HIV transmissions for good. Yet, HIV continues to be highly stigmatized and misunderstood. At L.A. CADA, we work with people living with HIV who are still experiencing discrimination in work, education, housing and even healthcare.

Which is why each of us must do our best to remove the stigma attached to HIV in our words. People who fear HIV don't seek out testing and HIV care, including partner notification. World AIDS Day exists to shine a light on the real experiences of people living with HIV today, while celebrating the strength, resilience and diversity of the communities most affected. It is a moment to inspire the leadership needed to create a future where HIV doesn't stand in the way of anyone's life.

So, what can we do? The CDC says there are many small things that will make a big difference. If each of us commits to making positive changes, we can help end HIV stigma and work to stop the virus together. Here are four resources to get you started:

• Stigma Fact Sheet [PDF 1.8 MB]: This fact sheet discusses HIV stigma, discrimination, and what the effects are on people with HIV.
• Stigma Scenarios: Support in Action. Read through examples of situations that show how HIV stigma can happen in any setting and learn ways to take action
• Pledge Cards: A Commitment to Action. Make a pledge to help stop HIV stigma. Download CDC ledge cards to customize and post on your website, blog, social media channels, and other digital outlets.
• Know how to talk about HIV to avoid stigma; the words we use matter: Use supportive language; Know that AIDS is not a condition; it's a range of conditions that happen when the HIV virus weakens our immune system; People don't catch AIDS; they acquire the HIV virus; We're not fighting HIV, we are responding to it; People with HIV are not victims; they are people living with HIV.

L.A. CADA is here if you need testing or HIV services. Call us at (562) 906-2676.