From 1988 to 2024, 37 years have passed, and World AIDS Day stands as a testament to the resilience, courage, and unity of millions across the globe. This day is a reminder of a powerful journey from ignorance to understanding, from stigma to solutions.
Decades ago, HIV and AIDS were cloaked in fear, misinformation, and societal rejection. Today, we stand at a crossroads where science, compassion, and community unite to rewrite that narrative. This day isn’t just about remembrance; it’s about challenging that fear.
We would first like to clarify that this writing is more than just a piece of article floating on the internet—it's a safe space, a helpful guide, and an invitation to take action. We will talk about important topics like HIV awareness and AIDS prevention.
We’ll look at how important HIV testing is, learn about AIDS education, and understand HIV transmission. This is a place to see how far we’ve come in fighting against HIV stigma and providing support for HIV patients.
As we reflect on the lives lost and the battles fought, let us celebrate progress and amplify our voices in raising awareness about AIDS. Together, through knowledge, empathy, and action, we can turn the tide—empowering communities and ensuring no one feels alone in this fight. Let’s make this World AIDS Day a symbol of togetherness and hope!
Table Of Contents
- World AIDS Day 2024: Theme, Importance And Significance
- How Is HIV Testing Done?
- AIDS Prevention: How Can You Prevent HIV Transmission?
- Support for HIV Patients: Treatment, Therapy And Schemes
- AIDS Education: Fighting HIV Stigma And Raising Awareness About AIDS
- Expert’s Advice
- The Final Say
- FAQs
- References
World AIDS Day 2024: Theme, Importance And Significance
Take the Right Path: My health, my right!
HIV And AIDS: A Brief History
AIDS, or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). When someone gets infected with HIV, the virus enters their body and starts to destroy special white blood cells called CD4 T cells. These cells are important because they have a critical role in the immune system, and their deficiency makes the body more vulnerable to infections and diseases.
HIV can be traced back to the origins of non-human primates of Central and West Africa, where the simian immunodeficiency virus crossed over to humans through hunting and the consumption of blood infected with the virus. The first known case in humans is documented to have been in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, back in 1959. Over the years, the virus spread across Africa and into other parts of the world, with significant transmission linked to urbanisation, unsafe medical practices, and changes in sexual behaviour during the colonial era.
Global awareness of AIDS began in the early 1980s when there were reports of unusual cases of pneumonia and cancer among young men in the United States. The epidemic prompted extensive research, leading to significant medical advancements such as antiretroviral therapy (ART) and improved HIV testing methods.
World AIDS Day: Significance And Importance
Every year on December 1, the world observes World AIDS Day, a day dedicated to showing support for people living with HIV and remembering those who lost their lives to AIDS-related illnesses. This important health event, like World Diabetes Day and World Pneumonia Day, has been held annually since 1988, making it 33 years old. On this day, various organisations around the globe organise campaigns and activities concerning raising awareness of HIV, showing solidarity toward its victims, and promoting action against its spread.
In 2023, India reported 66,400 new cases of HIV, while globally, there were 13 million new infections. To tackle HIV/AIDS in India, the government established the National AIDS Control Program (NACP), which aimed to reduce new infections and AIDS-related deaths by 80%. Since then, there has been an impressive 82% decline in AIDS-related deaths; however, only a 48% reduction in new HIV infections was achieved.
Each year, World AIDS Day highlights a specific theme, and for this year, it is “Take the Right Path.” The theme of this year calls for respect for human rights as a means to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic effectively. It calls for the removal of legal and social barriers that deny people with HIV access to healthcare and support. The campaign is in line with the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights and questions everybody's rights being protected as a cardinal to ending AIDS and achieving sustainable health outcomes.
The ongoing awareness campaigns since 1988 have greatly benefited global efforts against HIV/AIDS. There has been a 32% reduction in new cases since 2010 and a remarkable 68% decrease in AIDS-related deaths since 2004. As we observe World AIDS Day, let us continue to work together to support those affected by HIV and promote education and understanding to eliminate the stigma surrounding the disease.
Also Read: National Cancer Awareness Day 2024: Significance, Importance And Cancer Prevention Strategies
How Is HIV Testing Done?
The following table depicts various HIV detection methods:
Name | Procedure in Detail |
Antibody/Antigen Test |
|
Rapid Test (Finger Prick or Oral Fluid) |
|
Nucleic Acid Test (NAT) |
|
AIDS Prevention: How Can You Prevent HIV Transmission?
To prevent HIV effectively, one needs to understand how it spreads and take necessary precautions. HIV is most commonly transmitted through unprotected sex and the sharing of needles for drug use. Here are several medically recommended strategies to decrease your risk:
- Use Condoms: Use latex condoms for any form of sexual activity, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Avoid condoms made of animal products, such as lambskin, because they do not provide any protection against HIV. Water-based lubricants can reduce friction and prevent condom breakage.
- Avoid Sharing Needles: Never share needles or syringes when using drugs. This practice greatly increases the chance of HIV transmission. Most communities have needle exchange programs where you can get clean needles safely.
- Get Tested for STIs: Testing and treatment for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) should be routinely done, as an STI may make you more susceptible to HIV infection.
- Consider PrEP and PEP: If you are at high risk for HIV exposure, consult your healthcare provider about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a medication that can greatly reduce your chances of contracting HIV when taken consistently. If you believe you have been recently exposed to HIV, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may be an option if started within 72 hours after exposure.
- Know Your Status: Regularly getting tested for HIV is vital for knowing your health status and making informed decisions about prevention and treatment options.
Also Read: World Polio Day 2024: Theme, Importance, Activities! Every Shot Counts!
Support for HIV Patients: Treatment, Therapy And Schemes
HIV treatment primarily revolves around Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), which suppresses the virus and halts disease progression. ART combines multiple antiretroviral drugs targeting various stages of the HIV lifecycle. These drugs include:
- Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs): Block reverse transcription. Examples include Zidovudine and Lamivudine.
- Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTIs): Prevent RNA-to-DNA conversion. Efavirenz is widely used.
- Protease Inhibitors (PIs): Disrupt viral assembly. Examples: Lopinavir and Ritonavir.
- Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors (INSTIs): Stop viral DNA from integrating into host DNA. Dolutegravir is prominent.
These drugs work collectively to reduce the viral load, restore immune function, and prevent AIDS-related complications. Long-acting injectables like Cabotegravir and Rilpivirine offer alternatives to daily ART.
Experimental Cure: Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Case
A pioneering case was that of a patient suffering from HIV and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma who received a bone marrow transplant. The donor cells carried a mutation in the CCR5 gene (CCR5-delta32), which is essential for HIV entry. Since the virus could not enter new cells without functional CCR5, the patient's immune system rebuilt itself with resistant cells after the transplant, curing both lymphoma and HIV. This establishes the use of CCR5-targeted therapies, such as Maraviroc, in HIV treatment.
Stem cell-based approaches and CRISPR gene editing now explore similar pathways, focusing on altering receptor expressions or targeting latent reservoirs.
Indian Government Schemes and Policies for HIV/AIDS
India’s response to HIV/AIDS is led by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) under the Ministry of Health. Its policies focus on prevention, treatment, care, and rehabilitation. Key initiatives include:
1. ART Programme
Free ART is available at more than 1,650 centres across the country. Medications such as Tenofovir, Emtricitabine, and Efavirenz are dispensed under this program, covering more than 1.8 million people.
2. Targeted Interventions
These target high-risk populations like sex workers, injecting drug users, and men who have sex with men. Free condom distribution and needle exchange programs are part of it.
3. Test and Treat Policy
This program was initiated in 2017. Under this program, every HIV-positive person receives immediate ART irrespective of the CD4 count.
4. Prevention of Parent-to-Child Transmission (PPTCT)
Pregnant women are screened for HIV, and Nevirapine is administered to prevent transmission to the baby.
5. Social Support
Schemes like NIRAMAYA provide free medical insurance, while NGOs supported by NACO offer counselling and care services.
6. HIV/AIDS Act, 2017
The law protects the rights of HIV-positive people, allowing for stigma-free treatment and confidentiality.
The government works through international bodies such as UNAIDS and WHO to meet with the Sustainable Development Goal towards ending AIDS by 2030. This will, in line with community-based programs, mark a holistic approach towards fighting this scourge in India.
AIDS Education: Fighting HIV Stigma And Raising Awareness About AIDS
Education is an important part of preventing the spread of HIV. Education would be a continuous process - each generation, a new generation of people becomes an adult and needs to know how to protect themselves from infection. The older generations, who hopefully have already been educated, may need the message reinforced and need to be informed to protect themselves and inform the younger ones.
There are three primary reasons for providing AIDS education:
The first reason is to prevent new infections, which involves two key steps:
- Educating individuals about HIV—what it is, how it leads to AIDS, how it spreads, and ways to protect themselves from becoming infected.
- Teaching people how to apply this knowledge—such as how to properly use condoms, engage in safer sexual practices, and avoid infections in medical settings or while using injection drugs.
The second reason AIDS education is needed is to improve the quality of life of HIV-positive people. AIDS education is too often seen as something that should only be aimed at people who are not infected with HIV in order to prevent their infection.
When people talk about AIDS education for those who are HIV-positive, they often think it only helps prevent new infections by teaching them not to pass the virus to others. However, an important part of AIDS education is helping these people improve their quality of life and feel empowered. People living with HIV have different needs for education, including how to access medical services, obtain necessary medications, and find emotional and practical support.
It is important to realise that persons living with HIV require information far beyond the prevention of transmission: they need advice on living with their health and how best to access resources that enable them to live better lives.
A third reason people need AIDS education is to reduce stigma and discrimination. In many countries, there is great fear and stigmatisation of people who are HIV-positive. This fear is frequently linked to a lack of understanding, feelings of resentment, and, eventually, anger.
Sometimes, prejudice and fear may result in extreme consequences, such as people with HIV/AIDS being burnt at the stake in India and many families losing their homes in several parts of the United States due to neighbours finding a member of the family who has the condition. This is one reason for the spread of the AIDS epidemic, which has now become a pandemic. If people themselves are afraid of being tested and later discriminated against, they will have a bigger risk of passing the infection to somebody else unknowingly.
Expert’s Advice
As a health expert, I believe that World AIDS Day is a great opportunity for everyone to learn more about HIV and support those affected by it. I encourage you to get tested for HIV if you haven't already; knowing your status is an important step in taking care of your health.
Also, consider having open conversations with your friends and family about HIV to help reduce stigma. Remember, small actions like sharing information and showing kindness can make a big difference in the lives of people living with HIV.
Health Expert
Lavina Chauhan
The Final Say
World AIDS Day marks an important time for all humanity to unite and come closer to people living with HIV. The spread of HIV can be prevented if public awareness regarding HIV is provided and AIDS education is implemented in society.
It is high time that AIDS prevention approaches, such as HIV testing and safe practices, are considered as a major tool to reduce the spreading of HIV. We should also keep on fighting the stigma of HIV so that everyone will be accepted and supported. Together, we can make a caring community that provides support for HIV patients so no one will face this alone. Let's continue to raise awareness about AIDS every day!
FAQs
1. What is the survival percentage for a person with AIDS?
If someone has AIDS and does not receive treatment, they may live about three years. However, with proper medical care and treatment, many people can live much longer and healthier lives.
2 .Will every HIV-infected person develop AIDS?
Not everyone who has HIV will develop AIDS. With treatment, many people can keep their health stable and never progress to AIDS.
3. Can a person infected with HIV live a normal life?
Yes, a person with HIV can live a normal life, especially if they take their medicine regularly. With good care, they can stay healthy and active.
4. Is there any cure for HIV?
Currently, there is no cure for HIV, but there are effective treatments that help people manage the virus and stay healthy.
5. Which programs by the Indian government are launched for HIV and AIDS patients?
The Indian government has launched the National AIDS Control Program (NACP) to reduce new HIV infections and support people living with HIV/AIDS through treatment and care services.
References
- https://www.pacehospital.com/world-aids-day
- https://www.unaids.org/en/World_AIDS_Day
- https://www.hiv.gov/events/awareness-days/world-aids-day
- https://www.factlv.org/education.htm#:~:text=Giving%20people%20information%20about%20HIV,can%20protect%20themselves%20from%20infection.
- https://www.apa.org/pi/aids/resources/education
- https://hivinfo.nih.gov/understanding-hiv/fact-sheets/basics-hiv-prevention#:~:text=Key%20Points,share%20your%20equipment%20with%20others.
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hiv-and-aids/prevention/
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4251-hiv-aids#prevention
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