Updated: Nov. 26, 2025
Rethink. Rebuild. Rise.
What is World AIDS Day?
World AIDS Day is observed each year on December 1 and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV, and remember those who have died. Established in 1988, World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day. In 2025, the global community marks the 38th commemoration of this important day as a reminder that we must remain steadfast in our commitment to prevent new HIV infections and provide essential services to all people living with HIV globally. The South Carolina Department of Public Health and Ending the Epidemics SC uplift this year's theme: “Rethink. Rebuild. Rise.”
Collective Action on World AIDS Day 2025 and Beyond
Dedicated heroes throughout the Palmetto State act together all year long towards the common goals of reducing new HIV infections, promoting testing, fighting stigma and helping people living with HIV get into care and stay in care. People with HIV, who are in care, have the possibility of achieving and maintaining viral suppression and living long and healthy lives.
For World AIDS Day 2025, please join other South Carolinians at local observances near you, or organize your own, or hold a few minutes of silence with friends and family. Here are just a few examples of many events in urban and rural communities scheduled surrounding World AIDS Day 2025:
| Date, Time, City | Sponsor and Event | Location | Information |
|---|---|---|---|
Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025 - Greenville 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. | The Ladies Room: World AIDS Day Red Dress Charity 5K Run/Walk & Health Fair | Conestee Park 840 Mauldin Rd, Greenville, SC 29607 | View flyer (pdf) |
Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025 – North Charleston 12:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Unity Fellowship: World AIDS Day/Let’s Get Real: The Current State of HIV in 2025 and Long-Term Survivor’s Journey | Charleston’s LGBTQ Community Center 3265 N. Carolina Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405 | View flyer (pdf) |
Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025 – Columbia 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. | CAN Community Health and Richland County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority's Health Fair and Program: World AIDS Day Collective Action: Sustain and Accelerate HIV Progress | Charles R. Drew Wellness Center 2101 Walker Solomon Way, Columbia, SC 29204 | View flyer (pdf) |
Monday, Dec. 1, 2025 – Clemson 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. | Clemson University Student Government: World AIDS Day Thrift to Save Lives - All proceeds go to AID Upstate. Free testing and information. | Clemson University Amphitheater Clemson, SC 29634 | View flyer (pdf) |
Monday, Dec. 1, 2025 – Spartanburg 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. | Piedmont Care: Red Ribbon Coffee Talk | C.C. Woodson Community Center 210 Bomar Ave, Spartanburg, SC 29306 | View flyer (pdf) |
Monday, Dec. 1, 2025 – Spartanburg 8:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
| Piedmont Care: Free HIV Testing Event with Extended Hours | Piedmont Care 101 North Pine St, Suite 200, Spartanburg, SC 29302 | View flyer (pdf) |
Monday, Dec. 1, 2025 – Columbia 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | PALSS & Gamma Pi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority: World AIDS Day HIV/STI/Hep-C/Covid Testing | Allen University Mattie Scott Conference Room 1530 Harden St, Columbia, SC 29204 | View flyer (pdf) |
Monday, Dec. 1, 2025 – Columbia 4 p.m. and 5:55 p.m. | Two-part event with PALSS, AHF, DPH & USC: 4 p.m: PrEP Rally & Walk 5:55 p.m.: Observance Program | View flyer (pdf) | |
Monday, Dec. 1, 2025 – Conway 6 p.m. | Careteam+’s Two-Part Event: Free screening of the movie “Philadelphia” Candelight Walk & Vigil at the Conway Riverwalk after the movie. | Theatre of the Republic 331 Main St, Conway, SC 29526 | View flyer (pdf) |
Monday, Dec. 1, 2025 – North Charleston 6:30 p.m. | Charleston WAD Partners: World AIDS Day in Charleston ‘Moving Together’: Food and Fellowship, Celebration of Life and Candlelight Vigil | Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church 7396 Rivers Ave, North Charleston, SC 29406 | Registration recommended. View flyers: Español (formato PDF)
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| Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025 - Statewide | In observance of World AIDS Day 2025, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) will offer free testing at most local health departments. South Carolinians can be tested for HIV, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and Hepatitis C at no cost. | Find a Public Health Clinic | |
Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025 – Columbia 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. | In-Person and Online First Thursday Advocacy Lunch and Learn Partnership: | St.Luke’s Episcopal Church 1300 Pine St, Columbia, SC 29204 | Registration recommended. View flyer (pdf) |
Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 – Florence 9 a.m. | HopeHealth: 9 a.m.: Registration & Resource Fair 10 a.m.: Program 10:45 a.m.: Trail Ride/Walk | Streater Community Center 301 North Dargan St, Florence, SC 29506 | View flyer (pdf) |
Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025 - Columbia 1:30 p.m. | Trinity Health and Wellness Ministry and Partners: "World AIDS Day 2025: Rethink. Rebuild. Rise” program with speakers, vendors and dinner. | Trinity Educational Community Center 2523 Richland St, Columbia, SC 29204 | Registration required. View flyer (pdf) |
For more information about World AIDS Day events in your community and local HIV testing sites, call DPH's SC STD/HIV Hotline at 1-800-322-AIDS (1-800-322-2437).
Can't make it to a testing event? No problem. Order a free test kit!
Getting Into Care - The Revolutionary Good News about HIV
Just as with many other chronic health conditions, seeing a health care provider for the first time about HIV might make you a bit nervous. We encourage people diagnosed with HIV to seek care, stay in care, and achieve viral suppression by taking antiretroviral therapy (ART). People with HIV who take HIV medicine (called antiretroviral therapy) as prescribed and achieve and keep an undetectable viral load can live long and healthy lives and will not transmit HIV to their HIV-negative partners through sex. This good news is called Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U). DPH has partner agencies that provide an array of services such as testing, referrals/linkage to medical care, and other options regardless of insurance. For more information on whom to call, please view the Ryan White Service Providers list.
For more information about HIV Care & Treatment: Let's Talk About HIV Treatment! - Greater Than AIDS