For the first time since 1988, the U.S. is not officially commemorating World AIDS Day

The U.S. has marked World AIDS Day — the first global day dedicated to a health issue — since its creation in 1988. From left: President Joe Biden delivers remarks at a World AIDS Day event on the South Lawn at the White House on December 1, 2024. President George W. Bush with First Lady Laura Bush commemorate World AIDS Day on December 1, 2008 on the North Lawn of the White House.

Noting the decision not to mark the day, the State Department stated: "An awareness day is not a strategy." Activists in the fight to end the ongoing AIDS epidemic disagree.

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