World AIDS Day is held on 1 December each year and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died. World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day and the first one was held in 1988.

World AIDS Day is an opportunity for you to learn the facts about HIV and put your knowledge into action There is also an online quiz: Are you HIV aware? where you can test your knowledge and awareness and raise awareness of HIV and AIDS by passing the quiz on and sharing it with your friends on Twitter and Facebook.

If you understand how HIV is transmitted, how it can be prevented, and the reality of living with HIV today - you can use this knowledge to take care of your own health and the health of others, and ensure you treat everyone living with HIV fairly, and with respect and understanding.

You can also show your support for people living with HIV on World AIDS Day by wearing a red ribbon, the international symbol of HIV awareness and support.

In Kent and Medway there is a local campaign called ‘Are you at Risk’ which is encouraging people to know their HIV status and get tested. There is a series of events happening with the ‘blue bus’ (only in November) but there are always clinics where you get tested and know your HIV Status. Find out more at the links below:

To go to the local Kent and Medway Are you at Risk website follow the link: www.areyouatrisk.clinic

To learn more facts about HIV and AIDs go to: www.areyouatrisk.clinic/facts.php

To look for your local clinic where you can be tested for HIV go to: www.areyouatrisk.clinic/yourclinic.php

For more information about World AIDS day go to: http://www.worldaidsday.org/