Founded in 1988 by the World Health Organization, World AIDS Day, observed annually on December 1, was the first international day designated for global health. The day marks a chance to show support for those living with HIV and to commemorate those lost to AIDS. Globally, 40.1 million people have died of AIDS, and 38.1 million people are living with HIV worldwide, including 1.2 million in the United States.

World AIDS Day also represents an opportunity to raise awareness of the issues many of those living with the virus face, including stigma, unjust laws and lack of access to treatment. By providing services and care, raising funds and awareness and offering support, love and so much more, these folks help remind us how much progress has been made in the fight against HIV while driving home the point that AIDS is not over.

Richard Zimler shared a picture of him (left) and his brother Jerry as kids in their family home in New York

Richard Zimler shared a picture of him (left) and his brother Jerry as kids in their family home in New York on the Instagram account @TheAIDSMemorial, which pays tribute to those lost to AIDS. Jerry died of AIDS in 1989 at age 35.@RcZimler/@TheAIDSMemorial/Instagram

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