California cities hold World AIDS Day events despite federal funding ban, focusing on remembrance, prevention, and equity.

Despite a U.S. State Department ban on federal funding for World AIDS Day observances, California communities including San Diego, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, and Riverside are holding events on December 1, 2025, to honor those lost, promote prevention and treatment, and advocate for equity. Events feature candlelight vigils, HIV testing, resource fairs, and displays of the AIDS Memorial Quilt. The global theme “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response” underscores the need for sustained action to end HIV by 2030 amid ongoing challenges like stigma, high drug costs, and unequal access to care.