Each year on December 1, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and its partners around the globe observe World AIDS Day to raise awareness of the global impact of HIV/AIDS. The first cases of HIV/AIDS were reported over 30 years ago in the June 5, 1981 issue of the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Since that time, people living with HIV/AIDS, researchers, health professionals, non-profit organizations, governments and activists across the globe have worked together to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic. On World AIDS Day, we recognize our successes to-date and commit to saving more lives. The World AIDS Day theme for the next three years is "Getting to Zero": zero new infections, zero discrimination, and zero deaths. Get involved and get tested.

For more information on HIV testing in New Hampshire, please contact the STD/HIV Program at (603) 271-4502. To get involved please join one of the World AIDS Day events around the State:

• Manchester – December 1st, 5:00 - 7:00 PM, Grace Episcopal Church, 106 Lowell Street, Keynote speaker, Bishop Gene Robinson
  • For more information contact the Greater Manchester AIDS Project at (603) 623-0710. Food pantry items and children’s toy donations accepted.
• Nashua – November 29th, 4:00 - 7:00 PM, Southern NH HIV/AIDS Taskforce, 12 Amherst Street. 4:00 PM Open House, 5:30 PM Candlelight vigil at Memorial Park (corner of Amherst and Main, across from 12 Amherst Street).
  • For more information contact the Southern NH HIV/AIDS Taskforce at (800) 942-7437.
• Portsmouth – November 30th, 7:00 - 9:00 PM, Portsmouth Discovery Center, 10 Middle Road, keynote speaker, Portsmouth Lauriat John-Michael Albert
  • For more information contact AIDS Response Seacoast at (603) 433-5377.
• Greater Keene Area – AIDS Services Monadnock Region has organized a series of AIDS Quilt displays at several locations in the region.
  • For more information contact AIDS Services Monadnock Region at (603) 358-5091.