- Categories:
- Health
- Tags:
- Awareness
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every June 27
- Holiday emoji:
- ❤️
National HIV Testing Day, or NHTD, is observed every June 27, spotlighting the vital role of HIV testing in early diagnosis and effective treatment. This day urges everyone to know their HIV status, access care, and contribute to preventing further transmission. Get tested, get informed, and get involved.
Want to sponsor National HIV Testing Day? Learn how
Expected National HIV Testing Day Deals
National HIV Testing Day focuses on access to free or low-cost testing and educational resources rather than commercial deals. Organizations like the CDC, NASTAD, and local health departments often partner with community clinics to offer confidential testing services and distribute prevention materials. Pharmaceutical companies such as Gilead Sciences and ViiV Healthcare may support awareness campaigns and research funding. Look for events hosted by the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. We will update this page with confirmed live testing events and awareness campaigns as June 27 approaches.
Platform Guide for National HIV Testing Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalHIVTestingDay. Share infographics, personal stories (with consent), and resources for local testing centers.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #NHTD. Join conversations about HIV prevention, treatment advancements, and the importance of knowing your status.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #HIVTestingDay. Post links to reliable health information and local community testing events.
National HIV Testing Day Hero
Dr. Anthony Fauci
History of National HIV Testing Day
The HIV virus itself was identified in the 19th century by French and American scientists. Dr. Robert Gallo co-discovered HIV as the cause of AIDS. This breakthrough meant companies could begin testing for antibodies produced in response to this virus and hopefully protect people from the effects of HIV. Initial tests conducted in this period were not to diagnose people with HIV or AIDS but to screen donated blood for a possible infection. As “TIME” magazine reported at the time, the fear of contaminated blood was running high, even though a very small fraction of people had contracted HIV through blood transfusions. The nature of these tests meant scientists and labs got a lot of false positives; medical uncertainty meant people did not know if the positive result meant people were infected, or if they had simply been exposed. A label on one of the early tests — which is in the Smithsonian Museum of American History, clearly states that it was not to be used as a test to screen for HIV or AIDS. The advance of HIV testing among the common public was marred by the stigma attached to the illness. These reasons turned the testing process on its head. New protocols were added, new experimental studies were conducted, and testing awareness drives were conducted.
The future looks promising, however. An American called Timothy Ray Brown was the first person to ever be cured of HIV. Contracting the illness at university in the late nineties, he received a stem cell transplant ten years later, after being diagnosed with leukemia. Luckily for Timothy, his donor had a rare genetic mutation conferring resistance to HIV. Timothy remained HIV-free ever since. Scientists have been trying to replicate this success ever since, and are using this lesson to try and develop a broadly applicable cure.
In the late 19th century, dozens of scientists worked round-the-clock to create a revolutionary new HIV test that changed how this illness was diagnosed. Ten years later, the National Association of People With AIDS founded National HIV Testing Day to increase the number of people testing themselves for this illness. The program got off to a very successful start and has been running ever since.
National HIV Testing Day timeline
A group of French and American scientists discovers that the HIV virus causes AIDS, and they successfully identify and isolate it in a lab.
The Food and Drug Administration approves a new HIV drug, called an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or ELISA test.
An article in “TIME” magazine reports fear of contaminated blood runs high, even as only 142 out of 9600 HIV-affected Americans got the illness from a blood transfusion.
The Food and Drug Administration approves the use of a new experimental drug called AZT that improves patients’ immune systems.
The National Association of People With AIDS creates a day to increase the number of people being tested for HIV.
Timothy Ray Brown, who was previously known as the Berlin patient (and the only one to be cured of HIV four years before this), releases his name to the public.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National HIV Testing Day
Local businesses can observe National HIV Testing Day by partnering with community health centers to host free, confidential testing events on-site or by providing information on nearby testing locations. Retailers might offer a small discount to customers who show proof of a recent HIV test (while maintaining privacy). Businesses can also use their platforms to share educational content about HIV prevention and treatment, helping to combat stigma and encourage proactive health management within their communities.
National HIV Testing Day FAQs
When is National HIV Testing Day?
National HIV Testing Day 2026 falls on Saturday, June 27. This annual observance encourages everyone to get tested and know their HIV status.
How many people are living with HIV in the U.S.?
According to the CDC, approximately 1.2 million people in the U.S. are living with HIV, and about 13% of them don’t know they have it. Testing is vital for early diagnosis.
What is the goal of National HIV Testing Day?
The primary goal of National HIV Testing Day is to promote HIV testing and encourage individuals to learn their status. Early diagnosis allows for prompt treatment, which can lead to a long, healthy life and prevents further transmission.
Where can I get a confidential HIV test?
Confidential HIV tests are available at many locations, including local health departments, community clinics, and some primary care providers. The CDC’s ‘Get Tested’ tool can help you find a testing site near you.
How To Observe National HIV Testing Day
Stay in the know
The National Association of People With AIDS and partner organizations distribute literature and content about the many ways we can raise awareness among ourselves about HIV and AIDS. This day also encourages us to get more informed about HIV testing and when it is appropriate, along with broader knowledge about this illness and how to manage it. Some information also focuses on self-testing when outside visits are not an option or are limited.
Promote HIV testing
Do your part to reduce the stigma and support HIV testing. Get tested as a part of routine health care — something the CDC recommends for everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 — and promote HIV testing on your social media too.
Participate in a clinical trial
If you are healthy and willing, some clinical trials run by vaccine companies may be on the lookout for volunteers to run vaccine studies on. This clinical research can go a long way towards developing new and effective treatments, and hopefully, find a cure for HIV and AIDS.
5 Facts About HIV
A high global number
HIV is prevalent worldwide, with nearly 38 million people affected by it.
U.S. numbers are substantial too
Data shows nearly 1.1 million Americans are living with HIV; around 39,000 people are infected each year.
People don't know they are infected
Studies estimate around 14% of the people who live with HIV in the U.S. don't know they have been infected.
Three is no vaccine to prevent HIV
While researchers have been working for over 20 years to develop an effective vaccine for HIV, they have been unsuccessful so far.
One person has been cured of HIV
Timothy Ray Brown — known as the 'Berlin patient,' is the first and only person in the world to be cured of HIV.
Why National HIV Testing Day Is Important
It reduces the stigma associated with HIV
National HIV Testing Day normalizes this illness, striving to bring people into testing centers all over America. Observing this day sensitizes all of us to this illness, allowing the stigma linked to HIV and AIDS to fade gradually. Ultimately, we see days and programs like these as a critical resource in the fight against HIV and related disorders.
It empowers communities and the hardest-hit populations
National HIV Testing Day empowers communities, partners on the ground, and healthcare providers by normalizing HIV testing. In consequence, this increased testing allows us to prevent HIV among the hardest hit population and help the people already infected to stay healthy and positive.
It helps people manage HIV
For all the people with undiagnosed HIV, National HIV Testing Day encourages testing, which is the first step towards managing this illness. The earlier people test themselves, the more steps people can take towards maintaining a healthy life and reducing the spread of HIV.
Social Media Tips for National HIV Testing Day
Individuals
Creators
Brands