World AIDS Day (WAD), observed annually on December 1, serves to focus global attention on the HIV epidemic. This international observance is a vital opportunity to increase public awareness speak out against stigma, and call for increased action in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
The WAD 2025 theme is "Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response.” The theme highlights the challenges posed by a historic funding crisis and emphasizes the need to rethink, rebuild, and rise to ensure progress against HIV/AIDS is not lost. It also reinforces the resilience of the HIV response and the critical need for sustained collaboration to achieve the goal of ending AIDS by 2030.
According to KFF data, the global HIV epidemic remains a significant public health concern. As of 2024, an estimated 40 million people worldwide were living with HIV. In that year alone, approximately 630,000 people died from HIV-related causes, and 1.3 million people were newly infected.
Locally, Region 9 (Clark, Darke, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, and Preble counties) reported 107 new HIV cases in 2024.
- Montgomery County accounted for the majority of these new cases, with 60% (65 cases).
- Clark County followed, making up 28% (30 cases) of the total.
There is no cure for HIV infection, however, with increasing access to effective HIV prevention medications like Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for emergency after a potential exposure, people can stay HIV free. People who are diagnosed with HIV and are quickly linked to treatment, and care, including secondary infections, find HIV to be a manageable chronic health condition.
Do you know your HIV status? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following:
- All adults and adolescents from ages 13 to 64 should be tested at least once for HIV.
- All pregnant women should be tested for HIV along with other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Sexually active gay and bisexual men may benefit from more frequent HIV testing (every 3 to 6 months).
- Anyone who has unsafe sex or shares injection drug equipment should get tested for HIV at least once a year.
The Ohio HIV/AIDS Prevention Committee of Region 9 (Clark, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, and Preble Counties) is reminding you to know your HIV status by getting tested!
Testing Sites – Call for Testing Hours and More Information
Clark County Health Department
529 E Home Road Springfield, OH 45503
(937) 390-5600
Darke County Health District
300 Garst Avenue Greenville, OH 45331
(937) 548-4196
Equitas Health
1222 S. Patterson Blvd. Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 853-3650
Greene County Health Department
360 Wilson Drive Xenia, OH 45385
(937) 374-5600
Miami County Public Health Department
Reproductive Health Clinic- 510 W. Water Street Troy, OH 45373
(937) 573-3520
Preble County General Health District
Reproductive Health Clinic- 615 Hillcrest Drive Eaton, OH 45320
(937) 472-0087
Public Health – Dayton & Montgomery County
Public Health Clinic - 117 S. Main Street Dayton, OH 45422
(937) 225-4550
Public Health Outreach Office
201 Riverside Drive, Suite 1-C Dayton, OH 45405
(937) 496-7133
Dr. Charles R, Drew Health Center
1323 W. Third Street, Room # 608 Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 225-4023
For more testing sites near you, free home HIV and STI testing kits, information about PrEP, free condoms and more, go to OHIV.org or call 1-800-332-2437. You can also call the region 9 office at (937) 496-7133.
