World AIDS Day is an international day dedicated to raising awareness and knowledge of the AIDS pandemic. 1st December has been designated for the awareness of AIDS since 1988.
AIDS stands for “Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.”
HIV stands for “Human Immunodeficiency Virus.”
AIDS is a life-threatening illness that occurs through HIV infection. HIV attacks the immune system, and its ability to fight other diseases becomes less.
AIDS Prevention:
It is believed that we can end the HIV epidemic. HIV infections have reduced to 23% between 2010 and 2019. We can prevent HIV infection by keeping the focus on the needs and rights of key populations.
AIDS can be prevented by:
- Providing care to pregnant and breastfeeding mothers prevents the virus from being transmitted from mother to child.
- Providing support and care to HIV-positive people.
- Key populations should be supported, including men who have sex with men, prisoners, female sex workers, and transgender people.
- Regular testing should be done so that we can start treatment early.
Symbol of AIDS:
A red ribbon symbolizes the awareness and support for people living with HIV. Many people with HIV used to stay hidden; therefore, a red ribbon was created as a loop to show support.
HIV is relevant to everyone; that’s why bold red colour was chosen. The red ribbon is a powerful force in creating public awareness for AIDS. Other organizations are also inspired by the red ribbon, such as the pink ribbon being used as a symbol for breast cancer awareness.
End AIDS:
HIV has been threatening the world for forty years. We should end inequalities to control AIDS. What we can do:
- Investment in human rights, gender-transformative responses, vital workers, equitable access to life-saving medicines and health technologies.
- Data systems that can detect inequalities and rights.
If we don’t reshape our AIDS and pandemic responses, then the list of deadly epidemics will continue to grow and claim lives and destroy communities and societies. But if we follow these aspects to control AIDS, we can save human health in development and financially.
