World AIDS Day: mobilizing the company

1) The essentials: "AIDS on December 1st", an annual mobilization event

Established in 1988, World AIDS Day is held every December 1. It raises awareness of prevention, screening and the fight against discrimination, particularly in schools and the workplace.

In 2024, the theme was "Follow the path of rights", reminding us that effective access to rights is a decisive lever in putting an end to the epidemic.

Globally, the epidemic is not over: 1.3 million people were newly infected with HIV in 2024 (and ~630,000 AIDS-related deaths), figures that are on a long-term downward trend but still far from the 2025/2030 targets.

2) HIV in France: where we stand (Santé publique France data)

Screening: some 7.5 million HIV serologies were performed in laboratories in 2023 (+25% vs. 2021). The HIV-Test system (without prescription or advance payment) is operating at full capacity.
Seropositivity discoveries: almost 5,500 people discovered their seropositivity in 2023 (corrected estimate). The national incidence was estimated at around 3,600 contaminations.
Stage at diagnosis: 43% of infections were discovered late in 2023 (including 27% at an advanced stage). Hence the importance of regular screening.
Modes of transmission: in 2023, heterosexual intercourse accounted for ~55% of discoveries, and sex between men ~40%. The majority of discoveries involved people born abroad (with a significant proportion of contaminations in France).

3) Prevention, screening, STIs: the right "sexual health" reflexes

Why get tested? Many STIs (including HIV) can be asymptomatic. Early detection enables rapid treatment, limits complications and reduces transmission.

Access in France :

HIV-lab testing: no prescription, no appointment, no advance payment.
Under 26s: free screening (100% reimbursement) for 5 common STIs (HIV, hepatitis B, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea).
Condoms: covered by pharmacies (specific conditions).
PrEP: pre-exposure prophylaxis, to be considered depending on the situation.

4) Sidaction Day: complementary to World AIDS Day

Not to be confused: World AIDS Day (December 1) and the Sidaction weekend, a major awareness-raising and fund-raising operation with media partners. In 2025, it took place on March 21-23. Mobilizing your teams around these two key dates boosts impact.

5) "Business in game mode": 10 turnkey ideas to activate your business with OuiLive

Quiz "VIH/IST : vrai/faux" (beginner → advanced level) to break down preconceived ideas (HIV ≠ AIDS, modes of transmission, sexual relations, screening).
Trouve la bonne info" challenge: gamified mini-course to official resources (Santé publique France, Sida Info Service, PrEP).
Challenge "Suivons le chemin": a series of short episodes on rights (confidentiality, non-discrimination, access to care).
Screening instructions: interactive steps describing HIV testing, locations, deadlines and warning signs.
"STI Awareness Week: 5 days = 5 focuses (HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B).
Health Ambassadors" missions: employees who share content and lead internal lives.
Red Object" challenge (ribbon, dress code, visuals) for a fun and memorable activation.
Story-challenge "Prise en charge": interactive scenarios demonstrating care pathways and the importance of early diagnosis.
Participative sponsorship: points earned → collective donation to an association (e.g. Sidaction).
Spring relay: resumes in March (Sidaction dates) with a special edition: matched donations, "assessment" quiz and inter-team ranking.

Promise: fast, turnkey launch, high participation rate, analytics to trackengagement in real time.

6) KPI's & steering

Reach: registration rate, % active users/day, module completion.
Engagement : average quiz score, shares/comments, average time per session.
Impact: screening intention declared, clicks to screening directories, number of "Ambassador" actions.
CSR: donations collected, number of local actions, all players involved (HR, occupational medicine, CSE, associations).
Security/Ethics: RGPD compliance, anonymizing health feedback.

7) FAQ

When is World AIDS Day?

Every year on December 1. The slogan for the 2024 edition was "Follow the path of rights".

What's the difference between HIV and AIDS?

HIV is the virus; AIDS is the advanced stage of HIV infection, when the immune system is severely weakened. Early treatment can help you live longer with HIV and reduce transmission.

How many new infections are there worldwide?

In 2024, UNAIDS estimates that there will be around 1.3 million new HIV infections.

And in France?

In 2023, there will be almost 5,500 new HIV infections and an estimated 3,600 new infections. Screening activity has risen sharply.

How can I get tested?

VIH‑Test en labo (sans ordonnance ni avance de frais), dépistage IST gratuit pour les < 26 ans, préservatifs pris en charge, information sur la PrEP.

When is Sidaction Day?

It's a weekend of collection and mobilization, distinct from December 1st. In 2025, it was held from March 21 to 23.

Useful information & disclaimer

This article is for information only and does not replace medical advice. If you have any individual questions, please contact a healthcare professional or Sida Info Service (0 800 840 800).