Nazrul Ahmed: World AIDS Day is celebrated around the world on December 1st every year. On this day, we pay tribute to all the people we have lost to HIV/AIDS.

The day is a day to express sympathy and support for those living with this deadly virus.

The main message for 2025 on the occasion of the day is - 'Overcoming the Challenge, Building a New AIDS Resistance'.

According to recent data from the World Health Organization, despite progress in combating HIV, major challenges still lie ahead.

Affected: At the end of 2024, approximately 48 million people worldwide were living with HIV.

New infections and deaths: In the same year, 1.3 million new infections and about 630,000 deaths occurred from these AIDS-related complications.

Deprived of treatment: Nearly 9.2 million people infected with this deadly virus are still not receiving necessary medical care.

Those at risk: Children, adolescents, pregnant women, and marginalized groups in society are most at risk of HIV. International organizations have warned that financial crises and excessive pressure on health systems could stall progress, and that inequality remains the biggest obstacle.

New research findings are showing a glimmer of hope. Long-term injectable antiretroviral drugs are now making treatment easier and more sustainable for many.

World AIDS Day reminds us that fighting AIDS is not just a medical issue—it is a human right and a matter of justice, equality, and respect.

World AIDS Day has been observed on December 1st around the world since 1988.

In Bangladesh too, various initiatives are taken to celebrate this day.

The United Nations has called for sustained political leadership, international cooperation and a human rights-centered approach to eliminate AIDS by 2030.