News Highlight
Every year on December 1, World AIDS Day is celebrated to highlight the efforts to eradicate the epidemic.
Key takeaway
HIV became a global health epidemic and remains so today. This is due to several failures, including division, inequality and disregard for human rights.
World AIDS Day
- Theme
- The theme for this year is ‘Equalise’ to address inequalities that are holding back progress in ending AIDS.
- History
- The World Health Organization (WHO) founded World AIDS Day on December 1, 1988.
- When the first World AIDS Day was observed in 1988, it was estimated that 90,000 and 150,000 people were HIV-positive, leading to AIDS.
- Within 20 years, more than 33 million people had been infected with HIV.
- As a result, AIDS awareness movements began to focus more on uniting and funding global organisations to educate societies about HIV/AIDS.
- In 1997, UNAIDS established the World AIDS Campaign (WAC) to raise AIDS awareness and integrate AIDS information globally.
- Importance
- Approximately 38 million individuals globally carry HIV.
- Despite only being discovered in 1984, the virus caused one of the most devastating pandemics in history, killing nearly 35 million people.
- Today, HIV treatment has seen scientific advancements, and legislation protecting those living with HIV is in place.
- Numerous those who have the illness still encounter prejudice and shame.
- Furthermore, they are uninformed about personal and public safety facts.
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
- Overview
- Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic, potentially life-threatening condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
- By damaging your immune system, HIV interferes with your body’s ability to fight infection and disease.
- HIV is a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
- It can also be spread through contact with infected blood, illicit injection drug use, or sharing needles.
- It can also be spread from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding.
- Without medication, it may take years before HIV weakens your immune system to the point that you have AIDS.
- Treatment
- Currently, there’s no cure for HIV/AIDS.
- Your body can’t get rid of the infection after it’s been contracted.
- However, many medications can control HIV and prevent complications.
- These medications are called Antiretroviral Therapy (ART).
- Everyone diagnosed with HIV should be started on ART, regardless of their stage of infection or complications.
Conclusion
- World AIDS Day is crucial because it reminds the general public and the government that HIV is still a significant issue that needs immediate financing, increased awareness, the eradication of prejudice, and better educational opportunities.
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Content Source: NDTV news