Date
Friday
Jun
27

June 27

National HIV Testing Day

Take charge of your health today! National HIV Testing Day is the perfect time to get tested and start your journey towards a healthier future.

Yearly Date
June 27
Type
Day
Category
Health

Introduction

Let's get informed and take action on National HIV Testing Day on June 27! This day was first started in 1995 to promote awareness of the importance of regular testing for HIV, which is a virus that can lead to AIDS. Now more than ever, it is important for everyone to know their status so they can seek treatment if needed and protect themselves from further transmission. Regular testing helps us stay safe and healthy.

National HIV Testing Day Timeline

1981
First AIDS Cases Reported
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) first reported on AIDS-related illness, leading to increased public awareness about the virus over the coming years.
1985
First HIV Blood Test
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) licensed the first blood test to detect HIV antibodies, allowing for much-needed diagnosis and surveillance of the epidemic.
1994
Treatment Effectiveness Revealed
A landmark study shows that the drug AZT could significantly reduce the risk of mother-to-child HIV transmission, highlighting the importance of testing for treatment plans.
1995
National HIV Testing Day Established
National HIV Testing Day is inaugurated to promote the importance of regular testing in order to identify those infected and control the spread of HIV.
2006
Rapid HIV Testing Approved
The FDA approves an oral rapid HIV test, making it even easier for people to get tested and learn their results within minutes.
2013
Treatment as Prevention
Research confirms that early antiretroviral therapy (ART) can help prevent transmission of HIV, further emphasizing the importance of early and regular testing.

How to Celebrate National HIV Testing Day

1

Participate in an HIV testing event

Most cities or states will have organized events to help people get tested. Look up local events near you and participate in a testing event to help spread awareness.

2

Create your own HIV testing event

If there isn’t an event near you, gather friends, family, or members of your community and create your own HIV testing event. You can raise funds for HIV prevention and treatment programs and provide resources on how to stay safe.

3

Educate yourself about HIV

Read articles, watch videos, and listen to podcasts about HIV and AIDS. There are plenty of resources online to learn more about the symptoms, treatments, and prevention methods associated with this virus.

4

Donate to organizations that support HIV prevention

Organizations like World Health Organization (WHO) have programs that focus on raising awareness, providing medical assistance, and helping those affected by the virus. Consider donating money or time to help these programs succeed.

5

Talk to your doctor about getting tested

Getting tested is one of the most important ways to protect yourself and others from HIV/AIDS. Talk to your doctor about getting tested for HIV/AIDS on National HIV Testing Day.

Why National HIV Testing Day is Important

A

Knowledge is power

Getting tested for HIV is an essential step in knowing your status and getting the medical care and support you need. Knowing your status allows people to make informed decisions about their healthcare and lifestyle, so it's important to get tested if you have had unprotected sex with a new partner or have shared needles.

B

It can save lives

Early diagnosis and treatment of HIV is key to slowing the spread of the virus and preventing transmission to others. By getting tested regularly, you can reduce the risk of passing on HIV as well as reduce the risk of long term complications associated with the virus.

C

It helps reduce stigma

Unfortunately, there is still a great deal of stigma associated with HIV which prevents many from getting tested out of fear of judgment or discrimination. National HIV Testing Day provides a platform for open discussion and education about the virus which can help reduce this stigma.

National HIV Testing Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Jun 26
Monday
2024
Jun 26
Wednesday
2025
Jun 26
Thursday
2026
Jun 26
Friday
2027
Jun 26
Saturday