World AIDS day is commemorated on December 1 every year since 1988 to show solidarity with the people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and those who have died because of it.
With this, the World Health Organisation, which officially endorses AIDS day, aims to raise awareness about the infection and push for development in treatment and care. Each year, a theme is selected to be put on focus. In the wake of coronavirus pandemic, 2020's theme for the World AIDS Day was — “Global solidarity, shared responsibility”.
What is HIV?
HIV is a virus that attacks cells that help the body fight infections. It makes a person more susceptible to diseases. HIV can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) if it is left untreated for a long period.
What is AIDS?
AIDS is the last stage of HIV infection with symptoms such as rapid weight loss, pneumonia, memory loss, prolonged swelling of the lymph glands in the armpits and groin, and neurologic disorders.
Current medicines can prevent the progression of HIV into AIDS.
Is there a cure for AIDS?
No. Once a person contracts HIV, they cannot get rid of it. Till date, the medical science has not been able to find a cure for the virus. “Neither a cure nor a vaccine is available to treat and protect all people currently living with HIV patients.” WHO says on its website.
Ways to prevent AIDS
There are ways to prevent the spread. Interventions such as male and female condoms, voluntary medical male circumcision and antiretroviral drugs can control the virus and help prevent transmission to other people, WHO says.
How does one get the infection?
HIV can be transmitted through body fluids including blood, semen, breast milk, vaginal secretions, from people who are infected. It is also transmitted from a mother to child during pregnancy.
Facts and figures
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About 33 million people have succumbed to HIV so far.
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According to WHO, 38 million people are currently living with the deadly disease.
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New HIV infections slipped by 39 per cent between 2000 and 2019
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HIV-related deaths fell by 51 per cent between 2000 and 2019
Social Stigma
People living with HIV or AIDS are often discriminated against due to the fear of the disease. People refrain from going near or touching the infected person, assuming they will contract the infection.
This affects the mental well-being of the patients and pushes them in isolation. Due to lack of education, people aren’t aware that HIV cannot be transmitted via day-to-day touch such as hugging and shaking hands.
