World AIDS Day is a powerful reminder that the fight against HIV/AIDS is far from over. Despite remarkable progress in recent decades, millions of people worldwide are still living with the virus. At the same time, inequalities in access to prevention, diagnosis and treatment continue to cost lives.
Established in 1988 as the first international health-related awareness day, World AIDS Day has since served as a global call for informed action, early diagnosis, destigmatization and equitable care.
What We Know Today About HIV/AIDS
According to recent UNAIDS data, more than 39 million people are living with HIV globally — and thanks to modern treatments, they can live full and healthy lives.
The science is encouraging. Antiretroviral therapy (ART/ARVs) allows people on treatment to reach undetectable viral loads, which means they cannot transmit the virus (“Undetectable = Untransmittable”).
Yet despite this progress, new infections still occur — mainly in communities facing social exclusion, economic hardship, or limited access to healthcare services. At the same time, lack of information and persistent stigma remain major barriers that delay testing and treatment.
HIV & Cancer: An Important Connection
The link between HIV and several forms of cancer isn’t widely known, yet it is significant:
- People living with HIV have a higher risk of cervical cancer due to the more persistent presence of HPV.
- Increased risk is also observed for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Kaposi sarcoma and several cancers associated with chronic viral infections.
- Early diagnosis, continuous treatment and regular screening significantly reduce these risks.
At Kapa3, we have published articles on the importance of screening and patient empowerment, which you can find here: Article1, Article2, Article3, Article4, Article5.
The Situation in Greece
Greece has made important progress in recent years, thanks to the operation of Checkpoints, the support of NGOs and prevention structures, the spread of PrEP, and improved access to treatment.
In 2024, Greece recorded a small decrease (4%) in new HIV diagnoses compared to 2023, according to the Hellenic National Public Health Organization (EODY). However, underdiagnosis remains a real concern. Many people avoid timely testing due to stigma and fear of discrimination.
Prevention: What Each of Us Can Do
- Testing: a simple test can save lives.
- Condom use & comprehensive sexual education.
- PrEP & PEP: modern and effective prevention tools.
- Eliminating stigma: information and open dialogue remain our strongest forms of protection.
- Supporting facilities that provide access to prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
A Human Rights Issue
At Kapa3, we believe World AIDS Day concerns all of us. Access to healthcare is a fundamental right. No one should be afraid to get tested, speak openly or seek support.
According to International Human Rights Law, discrimination based on HIV status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, health status (including substance use), or sex work constitutes a violation of human rights.
World AIDS Day reminds us that knowledge, prevention and solidarity save lives — and that a world without new HIV infections is possible.
Sources
- UNAIDS
- HIV.gov
- AIDS Healthcare Foundation
- EODY (Hellenic National Public Health Organization)
Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3
