World Aids Day - December 1
Every year on December 1st, World AIDS Day is commemorated. It's a chance for people all around the globe to come together in the fight against HIV, to express solidarity for HIV-positive people, and to remember those who have died as a result of an AIDS-related illness. World AIDS Day was the first global health day, established in 1988.
While we focus on leading the COVID-19 response, which includes becoming a global vaccine arsenal and assisting every country and community in rebuilding, we must also press ahead, innovate, and invest in communities to end the HIV pandemic worldwide.
Why is World AIDS Day Important?
There are an estimated 38 million persons infected with the HIV virus worldwide. Despite the fact that the virus was only discovered in 1984, over 35 million people have died as a result of HIV or AIDS-related diseases, making it one of the most deadly pandemics in history.
Today, scientific improvements in HIV therapy have been achieved, regulations to protect persons living with HIV have been enacted, and we know a lot more about the disease. Despite this, each year thousands of people who are diagnosed with HIV still do not know the facts about how to protect themselves and others. The stigma and discrimination remain a reality for many people living with the condition—"Infected", "unclean" and other stigma-laden language harms people living with HIV. We're committing to change that narrative.
What is HIV?
HIV is an acronym for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. The virus infects and kills the cells in the body that typically fight infections, leaving the body exposed to illnesses it would otherwise be able to resist. Without treatment, the immune system gradually deteriorates, and a person with HIV develops infections. A person with HIV will acquire particularly dangerous illnesses when their immune system becomes too weak to combat diseases. At this point, the person is said to have developed AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).
How is HIV transmitted?
Only infected blood, sperm, vaginal fluids, or breast milk may transmit HIV. HIV is spread mostly through vaginal or anal intercourse without the use of a condom, or by sharing a needle or syringe with a person with HIV.
Other ways that HIV can be transmitted are listed by AidsLinkInternational Org:
- From a mother with HIV to her baby during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding.
- From a needlestick injury in a healthcare setting.
- From a blood transfusion or blood products (blood is usually screened to prevent this but in some countries, this may not happen so you need to check the protocol in your country of residence).
- By giving oral sex (although this is rare and will usually only occur if a person has cuts or sores in their mouth).
HIV cannot be transmitted by saliva, and it also cannot be transmitted through casual contact such as kissing or sharing glasses or utensils. HIV is a highly fragile virus that cannot live outside of the human body.
Who are at risk for HIV?
Anyone who engages actively in sexual intercourse or shares needles and injecting equipment is at risk of contracting HIV. Because many individuals living with HIV go misdiagnosed, it's crucial to avoid making assumptions about whether you or your partner is infected.
Symptoms and treatments
Although not everyone suffers symptoms when they first get infected with HIV, many people do have some early symptoms in the weeks after infection. Fever, sore throat, and maybe a rash are the most frequent symptoms, and they may feel like the flu. These symptoms improve on their own and may be the only signs a person with HIV has before getting severely unwell with a damaged immune system some years later.
Although there is no cure for HIV, there is a highly efficient medication called antiretroviral therapy (ART) that can keep the virus under control and allow someone living with HIV to live a full and active life.
Treatment is most effective when started early, and it is important that HIV-positive persons must take their medications exactly as prescribed to stay well.
When HIV is detected early and treated well, a person's life expectancy can be close to normal.
HIV testing
If you're sexually active, it's a good idea to get an HIV test on a regular basis as part of your sexual health maintenance.
It's critical to be tested if you're worried you've got HIV. If you believe you may have put yourself at risk for HIV, see a clinic as soon as possible for testing guidance.
Amplifying voices: What to advocate for?
HIV continues to be a concern both domestically and overseas, with specific people and regions of the country and the globe suffering the brunt of the burden – and persistent disparities functioning as major hurdles – signaling where we should concentrate our efforts. Ensuring equity in programs, research, and policies, is what we commit to fulfilling—as well as assisting those who are most in need of assistance, as informed by voices from the most impacted communities.
Pathfinder highlights the following steps as a coordinated effort to reach key affected populations:
- Deliver comprehensive care to people living with HIV and their families at times and locations that are convenient to them
- Care for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers to prevent the transmission of HIV from mother to child
- Support key populations—including men who have sex with men, prisoners, female sex workers, and transgender women—to make sure they can exercise their rights and receive quality services free from stigma, discrimination, or judgment
- Promote efficient testing—in communities, facilities, and hotspots—so people know their status and can initiate treatment as early as possible, a key aspect of UNAIDS’ 95-95-95 goals
- Decentralize HIV services to communities and low-tier health settings so more people in more places—especially adolescents, men, and those lost-to-follow-up—have access to the services they need
- Integrate HIV services with other sexual and reproductive health interventions, recognizing the opportunity to meet people’s needs in a single visit
- Challenge restrictive policies and inspire governments to uphold the rights of people living with HIV, especially key populations, adolescents, and women
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