On Tuesday, December 1, people across the globe will be wearing red ribbons, in solidarity with those who are living with HIV and in memory of those who have died.
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World AIDS Day was sanctioned by the United Nations in 1988 and the familiar insignia emerged a few years later.
If the emblem symbolises a commitment to increasing public awareness of HIV, it also challenges the prejudice surrounding the disease.
Philippa Moss, the executive director of the AIDS Action Council, urged Canberra's residents to remember that the fight against HIV and AIDS was complex and ongoing.
She stressed the global proportions of both the epidemic and the campaign to raise awareness while breaking down the stigma surrounding HIV.
Ms Moss drew attention to the UN's message of "getting to zero" in terms of new HIV infections, discrimination and AIDS-related deaths.
The Council's inaugural patron, John Mackay AM, has a personal connection with the disease and its effects.
"Part of my own understanding of HIV and AIDS issues has been through the prism of experiencing the death of two of my younger brothers – David and Stephen – who died of AIDS within six weeks of each other in the late 1980s," Mr Mackay said.
He developed "great compassion" for people living with the virus, as well as their families and those who look after them, and he is committed to eradicating bias.
"Together we can end the AIDS epidemic," Mr Mackay said.
"The Australian government has made a commitment to virtually eliminate new transmissions of HIV by 2020 and this will be possible if there is access to HIV prevention, testing, treatment, care and support.
"Sadly, the battle to eradicate one of the world's most terrible epidemics is far from over, with an estimated 35 million people globally living with HIV."
Ms Moss said World AIDS Day offered "a valuable opportunity to educate people" and "to raise money for programs and services that are vital to ending HIV".
She encouraged the community to show its support by donating to the Red Ribbon Appeal, buying related merchandise or cupcakes and attending one of the capital territory's events.
These include a market and barbecue from 11am at Garema Place on World AIDS Day, the AIDS Action Council's Red Dinner the following night and a red party on Friday, December 4 at Cube Nightclub in the Civic.
Visit aidsaction.org.au/events/worldaidsday for more information.
