What is the world aids day national observance?

Each year on December 1st, our community gathers to remember those lost, educate others, and rally to eliminate the devastating stigma and loss associated with the ongoing AIDS crisis.

As our country’s only federally designated memorial for AIDS, the National AIDS Memorial hosts a pivotal observance each year to recognize this internationally dedicated day. Join us in the Grove on Tuesday, December 1st as we gather to heal, hope, and remember.

HOW ARE WE RECOGNIZING WORLD AIDS DAY IN 2026?

By sparking powerful conversations, the National AIDS Memorial will highlight the pressing issues impacting the AIDS crisis today. By sharing the story of the struggle against HIV/AIDS, we fight against stigma, denial, and hate for a just future.

Spotlight

A Voice of Hope. A Legacy of Action.
‍‍We’re honored that ABC7 San Francisco anchor Dan Ashley will emcee this year’s World AIDS Day National Observance. For thirty years, Dan has spotlighted stories of health and social justice in the Bay Area and beyond. 

Ashley has interviewed national political icons including Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Colin Powell, and more, but has never lost touch with the Bay Area community and the issues at its heart.

When few people were interested in supporting those impacted by HIV and AIDS,  Ashley used his platform to speak up for those silenced.

Celebrating a Legacy of National Leadership
‍‍Dafina Ward has been a leading voice in advancing equity, visibility, and action in the fight against HIV in the South. In 2023, she was appointed to the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS and served as Chair of the 2024 US Conference on HIV/AIDS Advisory Committee, helping to shape national dialogue and strategy.

Her work has been recognized by Gilead Sciences, POZ Magazine, and GLAAD, reflecting a deep commitment to addressing stigma and uplifting communities most impacted by HIV. Through public speaking and writing, Dafina brings a powerful lens to the intersections of race, gender, and health, with work featured in The Washington Post and The Body.

We are proud to present Dafina Ward with this year’s National Leadership Recognition Award.

Honoring a Lasting Impact in our Community
‍‍For more than 25 years, Roger Doughty has been a driving force in advancing LGBTQ+ equity, philanthropy, and community leadership. At Horizons Foundation, he led the creation of the LGBT Community Endowment Fund and helped bring significant new investment into LGBTQ causes—strengthening organizations and impact across the region and beyond.

Before joining Horizons, Roger led Horizons Community Services in Chicago, helping to establish the Center on Halsted, and previously oversaw more than 40 programs at the Los Angeles LGBT Center. He has also served in national leadership roles, including as Board Chair of OutRight Action International and on the board of Northern California Grantmakers.

We proudly present Roger Doughty with this year’s Community Impact Award.

WHY iS WORLD AIDS DAY IMPORTANT IN 2026?

The AIDS crisis is not over.

According to the World Health Organization, more than one million people acquired HIV in 2024 alone. By sharing the tragic story of AIDS, we make strides toward ensuring that future communities will not be harmed by fear, silence, discrimination, or stigma.

WORLD AIDS DAY 2026