June 5 is HIV Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day. First observed in 2014, it’s a day to honour long-term survivors of HIV and raise awareness about their needs, issues, and journeys.
The selection of June 5 for this annual observance coincides with the anniversary of the first official reporting of what became known as the AIDS epidemic on 5 June 1981 when the CDC in the US reported on five cases of a mysterious disease affecting young gay men.
HIV Long-Term Survivors (HLTS) represent a diverse group of people, including people diagnosed with HIV before the advent of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy or HAART in 1996. Often overlooked, HLTS includes people born with HIV or who acquired the virus as babies and are now in their 30s and 40s. HLTS are also those living with HIV and AIDS for over 25 years.
Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day events in 2025
Adelaide
Positive Life SA, Thorne Harbour Health and SAMESH we are hosting a LTSA Day luncheon at 57 Hyde Street, Adelaide on Thursday 5 June from 11.30am to 1.30pm.
The day prior they are attending a LTSA Day event at Parliament House. There the positive community will distribute certificates of appreciation to those who cared for them in the early days. “As we did not expect to survive, we believe it is important to recognise those heroes who stood by our side.”
Sydney
Film screening – Rampant: How a City Stopped a Plague
In 1982, a man walked into a Sydney hospital with fever, fatigue and sweats – the first person diagnosed with AIDS in Australia.
Panel discussion
Drinks and Canapes
Date: Thursday 5 June 2025
Time: 6:00pm to 8.45pm
Place: East Sydney Community & Arts Centre, Lower Hall, 34/40 Burton Street, Darlinghurst
Register Now: For catering purposes, please register at contact@positivelife.org.au or phone (02) 8357 8386 by Monday 2 June 2025
Melbourne
Thorne Harbour Health and Living Positive Victoria, invite all adults with HIV aged 50 years and over as well as long term survivors regardless of age for dinner at the Positive Living Centre.
Join us for dinner and fascinating conversation as we celebrate HIV Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day.
Special Guest speaker Michelle Wesley will share her reflections on how she took on the challenges of living with HIV in the 80s and 90s with their determination and resilience.
Partners and carers welcome, wheelchair accessible.
Thursday, June 5
6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Free
Positive Living Centre
51 Commercial Road
South Yarra, Victoria 3141 Australia + Google Map
