World AIDS Day: Putting Ourselves to the Test

Members of the Beta Iota Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Beta Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. presenting on HIV awareness at the Van Ness Campus on December 1.

December 1 was World Aids Day, a day of solidarity for people worldwide affected by HIV. This year’s theme was “Putting Ourselves to the Test: Achieving Equity to End HIV.” According to HIV.gov, this theme encourages people to unite globally to eliminate the disparities and inequities that create barriers to HIV testing, prevention, and access to HIV care.

Two World Health Organization public information officers started World AIDS Day in 1988 as an international day for global health. This commemoration allows people to unite to help end HIV, show their support for people living with the disease, and remember those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses.

The Center for Diversity, Inclusion & Multicultural Affairs (CDIMA) hosted a World AIDS Day event on November 30 in honor of this observance. Activities included discussing the impact of the virus on marginalized people. HIPS, a DC organization that advances the health rights and dignity of people and communities impacted by sex work and drug use, provided testing kits for UDC’s Student Health Services to administer free HIV/AIDS testing.

The Beta Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and the Beta Iota Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. also provided HIV awareness training at the Van Ness Campus on December 1.

For more information about HIV, please visit HIV.gov.