Got an idea for a holiday? Send it to us

Submit Now

160 Shares
160 Shares
October

AIDS Awareness Month – October 2025

AIDS Awareness Month, observed every October, supports educational campaigns that disseminate science-based, factual, and clear information to youths, at-risk people, and the general public. With over 37 million people living with HIV worldwide, public information about its prevention, transmission, and treatment must be accurate and widely available. 

Advocates have several goals including educating people about the importance of knowing your status and regular testing, lobbying for accessible and affordable testing and treatment, reducing stigma, ensuring the public has accurate information about HIV risk and transmission and supporting patients living with HIV/AIDS.

History of AIDS Awareness Month

HIV/AIDS, or the human immunodeficiency virus and its associated immune deficiency syndrome, first appeared in the Congo in the 1920s, spread to the Western Hemisphere via the Caribbean in the 1960s, and became a global pandemic in the 1980s as cases exploded around the world.

Because the first diagnosed patients were gay men, it was first believed that AIDS only affected homosexuals, drug users, and later people of Haitian origin. As scientists discovered more about the disease, they learned it was caused by a virus that could be transmitted in several ways and could affect anyone. By the end of 1985, more than 20,000 cases of AIDS were reported all over the world. Doctors and researchers scrambled to understand the infection and develop treatments and vaccines.

In 1987, the first antiretroviral medication effective in treating HIV, azidothymidine (known as AZT), was developed. A positive diagnosis was no longer a death sentence, but despite new information and treatment options, HIV/AIDS continued to spread. By the end of the 1980s, AIDS was a full-blown crisis, with more than 400,000 diagnosed cases.

To date, about 35 million people have died from AIDS, and roughly that same number live with the virus. In 2010, there were over 20 approved treatment options for HIV/AIDS, and new treatments are developed all the time. No vaccine exists yet, but thanks to anti-retroviral drugs and constantly improving treatment options, it’s now possible for an HIV patient with access to care to live a full and healthy life.

AIDS Awareness Month timeline

November 2002
First Rapid HIV Test

The FDA approves the first rapid HIV test, which gives results in 20 minutes with a 99.^% accuracy.

December 1, 1988
First World AIDS Day

The World Health Organization declares December 1 World AIDS Day, laying the groundwork for state-funded AIDS research and care programs.

October 2, 1985
Rock Hudson Dies

Actor Rock Hudson dies from AIDS complications, making him the first high-profile fatality of the disease. His will left a quarter-million dollars to start the American Foundation for AIDS Research.

1982
AIDS Named

In September 1982, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) starts using the term AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) to describe the cases of severe immune deficiency that start to occur in New York and California.

AIDS Awareness Month FAQs

What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?

HIV is the virus that breaks down the immune system, leaving your body weaker and less able to respond to infection from other sources. AIDS is the advanced stage of infection when the body becomes unable to defend itself from harmful pathogens.

What color is the AIDS ribbon?

A red ribbon is used as a symbol or awareness and support for people living with HIV/AIDS.

Who started AIDS day?

Two public information officers at the World Health Organization, James W. Bunn and Thomas Netter, started World AIDS Day in August 1987.

How to observe AIDS Awareness Month

  1. Get tested

    The first step in AIDS awareness is knowing your own status. Call your doctor or local clinic to find a free test and get tested regularly.

  2. Make a donation

    Many organizations advocate for research, treatment, and support for HIV/AIDS patients and their families. If you can, donate to an advocacy group whose mission speaks to you.

  3. Educate yourself

    Quiz yourself: do you know all the ways HIV is transmitted? What about the myths around it? Read up on basic information to make sure you know all the facts.

5 Interesting Facts About HIV/AIDS

  1. You can test at home

    You can buy home tests to test your HIV status in the comfort of your own home. Many clinics and organizations also offer free testing.

  2. You can take steps to prevent HIV

    You can protect yourself from HIV infection by practicing safe sex, avoiding intravenous drugs, and getting tested regularly.

  3. A vaccine isn't yet available

    Although many trials are in progress, no HIV or AIDS vaccine has yet been approved for human use.

  4. Many people don't know they have HIV

    Because HIV can be asymptomatic for years, you can contract it without knowing you're sick. Regular testing is important to ensure you don't transmit the infection to others.

  5. Gender differences

    HIV still disproportionately affects men. In 2017, males made up 81% of new HIV diagnoses in the United States.

Why AIDS Awareness Month is important

  1. It reminds us to get tested

    Getting tested regularly is important. Take some time during AIDS Awareness Month to go get tested and know your status.

  2. History is important

    Although no longer a death sentence, AIDS was, for years, a terrifying global pandemic that devastated communities and families.

  3. There are many misconceptions

    Many people still don’t have accurate information about how HIV is transmitted, when you’re at risk, and how to prevent it. AIDS Awareness Month promotes science-based education to ensure everyone has the facts about HIV/AIDS.

AIDS Awareness Month dates

Year Date Day
2025 October 1 Wednesday
2026 October 1 Thursday
2027 October 1 Friday
2028 October 1 Sunday
2029 October 1 Monday
October
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
 
 
Elderly Filipino Week
National Walk Your Dog Week
Ayudha Puja
Balloons Around the World Day
Balloons Around the World Day
CD Player Day
CD Player Day
China National Day
Cyprus Independence Day
Durga Puja Navami
Filipino American Month
Filipino American History Month
International Coffee Day
​International Day of Older Persons
International Music Day
International Music Day
International Walk to School Day
Investiture Ceremony of the Captains Regent
Maha-Navami
Maha Navami
Mahanavami
Model T Day
Model T Day
National Black Dog Day
National Coffee with a Cop Day
National Day of China
National Fire Pup Day
National Hair Day
National Homemade Cookie Day
National Kale Day
National Lace Day
National Pumpkin Seed Day
National Raccoon Day
National Walk and Bike to School Day
Nepal: Maha Navami
Nigeria Independence Day
ROK Alliance Day
Semana Morazánica
Teacher's Day in Uzbekistan
Tuvalu Independence Day
World Sake Day
World Vegetarian Day
ADHD Awareness Month
Adopt a Shelter Dog Month
AIDS Awareness Month
American Pharmacists Month
American Pharmacists Month
Bat Appreciation Month
Bat Appreciation Month
Black Speculative Fiction Month
Blindness Awareness Month
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Caffeine Addiction Recovery Month
Celebrate The Bilingual Child Month
Celebrate The Bilingual Child Month
Church-Library
Church Library Month
Contact Lens Safety Month
Country Music Month
Critical Illness Awareness Month
Dental Hygiene Month
Down Syndrome Awareness Month
Dyslexia Awareness Month
Eat Better, Eat Together Month
Emotional Wellness Month
Eye Injury Prevention Month
Fair Trade Month
Family History Month
Financial Planning Month
Financial Planning Month
German-American Heritage Month
​Global Diversity Awareness Month
Go-Sober-For-October
Go Sober For October — October
Halloween-Safety-Month
Halloween Safety Month
Head Start Awareness Month
Health Literacy Month
Healthy Lung Month
Hog Out Month
International School Libraries Month
International Walk To School Month
International Walk To School Month
Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month
Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month
​Italian-American Heritage Month
LGBTQ+ History Month
LGBTQ+ History Month
Liver Awareness Month
Long Term Care Planning Month
Menopause Month
Museums and Galleries Month
National Animal Safety and Protection Month
National Apple Month
National Apple Month
National Arts & Humanities Month
National Audiology Awareness Month
National Book Month
​National Bullying Prevention Month
National Caramel Month
National Chili Month
National Chiropractic Month
National Church Safety and Security Month
National Cookbook Month
National Cookie Month
National Cookie Month
National-Crime-Prevention-Month
National Crime Prevention Month
National Cybersecurity Awareness Month - October
National Depression Education and Awareness Month
National Dessert Month
National Disability Employment Awareness Month
​National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
National Ergonomics Month
National Indigenous Peoples Month
National Learning and Development Month
National LGBT History Month
National Medical Librarians Month
National Medical Librarians Month
National Non-GMO Month
National Orthodontic Health Month
National Pasta Month
National Pescatarian Month
National Pet Wellness Month
National Pickled Peppers Month
National Pizza Month
National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month
National Pretzel Month
National Protect Your Hearing Month
National Sausage Month
National Work and Family Month
Physical Therapy Month
Pitbull Awareness Month
Polish American Heritage Month
Prenatal-onset GBS Disease Recognition Month
Rett Syndrome Awareness Month
Spina Bifida Awareness Month
SQUIRREL AWARENESS MONTH
The Big Draw
Ultrasound Awareness Month
Unblocktober
Vegetarian Month
World Animal Month
World Habitat Awareness Month

Holidays Straight to Your Inbox

Every day is a holiday!
Receive fresh holidays directly to your inbox.