World AIDS Day
AIDS
AIDS is short for Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome, a chronic and life-threatening condition caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). By damaging the body’s immune system, HIV interferes with its ability to fight infection and disease. The virus can be transmitted through contact with infected blood, semen or vaginal fluids. Within a few weeks of HIV infection, symptoms like fever, sore throat and fatigue occur. Then the disease is usually asymptomatic until it progresses to AIDS. AIDS symptoms include weight loss, fever or night sweats, fatigue and recurrent infections. There is no known cure for AIDS. It is estimated that 38 million people have the virus. In the three and a half decades since the discovery of the virus, 35 million people have died of AIDS or related illnesses, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.
World AIDS Day
1st December is observed as World AIDS Day every year. It is an opportunity for people all over the world to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to spare a moment to remember those who became victims to AIDS. Founded in 1988, World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day. Medical science has made some advancements when it comes to the treatment of HIV. Laws are in force worldwide to protect people living with HIV. Much awareness has been disseminated about safety when it comes to sex and usage of injection drugs. But there is still a huge number of undiagnosed cases. Adding to the cup of woes are the issues of stigma around the illness and discrimination against the victims. Therefore, the significance of World AIDS Day is in the fact that it reminds people that HIV has not gone away and we need to keep spreading awareness and education and raise money to fight the disease.
Dealing with AIDS
Getting tested is the way to find out if one has HIV. If tested positive, it is important to start treatment early so that the patient can bounce back to a full, healthy and productive life. Free and confidential HIV tests are available from NHS sexual health clinics (also called GUM clinics), charity testing services, surgeries, pharmacies or online for self-testing at home.
World AIDS Day 2021
The theme of World AIDS Day 2021 is “End inequalities. End AIDS”. The World Health Organization and its partners are highlighting the inequalities when it comes to access to essential HIV services in an effort to reach the people left behind. HIV continues to be a global health crisis due to disparity and disregard for human rights. With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, as services got disrupted, life has become even tougher for those who are living with HIV. On 1st December 2021, WHO made an appeal to global leaders and citizens to rally to confront the inequalities that drive AIDS and to reach people who are currently not able to get essential HIV services.
