World AIDS Day - December 1
- guara77
- Dec 1
- 3 min read
A Day to Remember, Support, and Inspire Change
Every year on December 1, the world pauses to mark World AIDS Day—a day dedicated to raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, honouring those we have lost, supporting those living with HIV, and recommitting to a future free from stigma and discrimination.
HIV affects people in every community, every country, and every walk of life.
That is why compassion, support, and awareness matter so deeply. The fight against HIV/AIDS is not only medical—it is human. It begins with kindness, continues with education, and grows through collective understanding.
We are neighbours, caregivers, friends, families, partners, and communities. We are people who believe in empathy over stigma, understanding over silence, and education over fear. It begins with conversations, continues with awareness, and grows through collective support.
Why World AIDS Day Matters
For more than 40 years, the global community has worked tirelessly to advance treatment, improve prevention, and dismantle the stigma surrounding HIV. Today, people living with HIV can lead long, healthy, fulfilling lives—but only if they have access to care, support, and a community that embraces them without judgement. World AIDS Day reminds us that ending HIV is possible, but only if we stand together. Support. Compassion. Awareness. Love.
Preventing HIV: Knowledge That Protects Everyone
Here is how we can protect ourselves and each other:
Get Tested Regularly
Knowing your status is brave, responsible, and empowering. HIV testing in Canada is confidential, safe, and widely available.
Where to Get Tested in Toronto:
Family doctors & many pharmacies
HIV self-test kits approved in Canada
The first step is simple: get tested. The second step is powerful: encourage others to do the same.
Consider PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)
PrEP is one of the most effective tools we have to prevent HIV—reducing the risk by up to 99% when taken consistently. Available through doctors, sexual health clinics, and many pharmacies across Canada.
Book an Appointment With a Healthcare Provider
You can get PrEP through: A family doctora, a sexual health clinic, many community health centres (CHCs)
If you don’t have a doctor, you can still access PrEP through:
Local sexual health clinics
Walk-in clinics
HIV community organizations
Telehealth/virtual PrEP clinics (available in several provinces)
Know About PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)
If you think you’ve been exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours, PEP can significantly reduce the chance of infection. Available at emergency rooms, urgent care centres, and some sexual health clinics.
Use Condoms & Protection
A simple, accessible, and effective way to reduce the risk of HIV and other STIs.
Do not share needles or Equipment
Harm reduction services are available Canada-wide for safe supplies and support.
Support & Resources in Toronto
Programs, counselling, testing resources, community support.
❤️ Casey House
A uniquely compassionate HIV hospital providing inpatient and outpatient services.
Practical and emotional support, food programs, peer support.
❤️ Black CAP
Programs supporting African, Caribbean, and Black communities.
Support for Asian communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, newcomers, and youth.
❤️ The 519
LGBTQ+ health, counselling, community connection.
On World AIDS Day, we honour the past—but we also look forward with hope.
Today, treatment is stronger. Prevention is powerful. Support is accessible.And most importantly: we are not alone.
Let today inspire us to:
Lead with compassion
Speak with courage
Support one another openly
Break stigma wherever we see itShare love, because love heals
Together, we can build a community where everyone feels safe, respected, protected, and supported.
You Are Very Welcome at Yonge + Eglinton Pharmacy
You are warmly invited to visit us and meet Kathe, our CEO and owner pharmacist. She can provide personal support for your medication and overall care.
We have a private counselling room where everything is handled with true compassion, safety, and care.
Kathe and our team are here to support you—your questions, concerns, and wellbeing always come first.
