The Eddystone Trust World AIDS Day Statement 2025

Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response

This year’s World AIDS Day asks us to recognise a critical moment in the global response to HIV. The theme, “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response,” speaks not only to the challenges we face, but also to the strength and determination of the communities who continue to drive progress.

A decade of success in HIV prevention, treatment, and community support is now under threat. International funding cuts are being felt across the world. HIV prevention services are shrinking, and community-led organisations-often the first point of trust and care-are losing vital support. At the same time, more punitive laws and rising stigma are pushing people away from testing, treatment, and the right to live openly and safely.

But HIV is not over. And neither are we.

Here in the South West, we continue to serve a wide range of communities, meeting people where they are and where they need our help most. Despite global disruption, we are fortunate in the UK to provide life-changing treatment and support free of charge. The NHS is a lifeline for so many, and the services we rely on here are not always available elsewhere in the world.

We remain committed not only to the communities we have supported for over 30 years, but also to those who are newly arriving in the region. We live in an increasingly global world where people move for work, safety, and opportunity.

The UK is no different—and it’s up to us to ensure that people who come here understand their healthcare options around HIV. That’s why we’re launching a new online community designed to help people who are new to the UK access clear, trusted information about HIV care.

2030 is just five years away. The good news is that the UK is exceeding its targets on the path to zero new HIV diagnoses—but we cannot afford to be complacent. HIV is everyone’s business. It doesn’t matter your sexuality or how you identify; we all have an HIV status, and the only way to know yours is to test. This World AIDS Day, we’re inviting you to claim your status by taking a test.

Despite advances in medication, treatment, and the knowledge that U=U, we still face the ongoing challenge of stigma and outdated attitudes. That’s why we are conducting our first ever "Attitudes to HIV Survey" this World AIDS Day—to gather insights that will help shape future services and deepen our understanding of the barriers people still face.

As each year passes, and every December 1st comes around, it is crucial that we not only recognise the progress made across the world, but also honour those who came before us. We invite you to wear your red ribbon with pride, in remembrance and in solidarity.

Find out more about World AIDS Day by clicking here