Impact of World AIDS Day

• Written by Anjali Sharma

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World AIDS Day is celebrated on December 1 every year. The Global AIDS Day was first observed in 1988, making it one of the earliest celebrated international health days. In 2024, we will observe the 37th World AIDS Day with the theme - Take the Right Path: My Health, My Right! This is an essential event for educating people about the virus, supporting rights, and promoting prevention and treatment. 

Significance of World AIDS Day 2024

World AIDS Day discusses the real experiences of people living with HIV today. It celebrates the strength, resilience and diversity of the communities most affected. 

World AIDS Day also has a significant global milestone in offering antiretroviral therapy (ART) access, raising awareness about prevention strategies, and encouraging inclusive policies to combat discrimination. World AIDS Day 2024 continues to operate as a powerful reminder of the ongoing challenges in addressing HIV/AIDS and the importance of solidarity and action to achieve the goal of ending the epidemic by 2030.

There are various activities that you can engage in to raise AIDS awareness on this day: 

• Participate in Awareness-raising activities.
• You can wear a red ribbon, the universal symbol of AIDS awareness, support and solidarity with people living with HIV. 
• People living with HIV make their voices heard on issues important in their lives.
• Groups of people living with HIV and other civil society organisations involved in the AIDS response mobilise in support of the communities they serve and to raise funds.
• Participate in events highlighting the current state of the epidemic.

What is the Global Impact of HIV/AIDS?

The global impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic is affected by specific risk factors. However, HIV infection can be managed with access to effective prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. 

Here are some of the worldwide impact measures of HIV/AIDS:

• Deaths: Around 42.3 million people have died from HIV/AIDS. In 2023, about 630,000 people lost their lives due to HIV-related causes.
• Infections: Approximately 85.6 million people have been infected with HIV. In 2023, around 1.3 million people became newly infected.
• People living with HIV: By the end of 2023, an estimated 39.9 million people were living with HIV. 65% of them are in the WHO African Region.
• Children affected: Around 14.1 million children under 18 have lost one or both parents due to AIDS-related causes.
• Other hardships: Millions of others have been affected by the epidemic, facing increased risks of poverty, homelessness, dropping out of school, discrimination, and loss of opportunities.

What are the Symptoms of HIV/AIDS?

The symptoms of HIV/AIDS can vary depending on the stage of the infection.  Let us discuss an overview of the symptoms of HIV/AIDS at different stages:

• Acute HIV Infection (2 to 4 weeks after exposure): This is the primary stage when symptoms may appear, often similar to flu or other viral infections. 
• Chronic HIV Infection (Latent Stage): In this stage, the virus continues to multiply but at very low levels. People may not experience any symptoms or only mild ones. 
• AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome): AIDS is the final and most severe stage of HIV infection. Without treatment, it can take 10 years or more to progress to AIDS. Symptoms of AIDS may include rapid weight loss, repeated fever, and extreme tiredness or fatigue. The immune system is severely damaged, making it difficult for the body to fight off infections and certain cancers.

How is HIV/AIDS Transmitted?

HIV/AIDS is transmitted through the exchange of body fluids from a person who has HIV to a person who does not. 

• Blood: HIV can be transmitted through contact with infected blood, such as sharing needles or syringes, or through unsafe blood transfusions.
• Semen and Vaginal Fluids: HIV can be passed through semen and vaginal fluids during unprotected sexual contact with an infected person.
• Breast Milk: HIV can be transmitted from a mother to her baby through breastfeeding.

What are the Methods of AIDS Treatment?

AIDS treatment primarily focuses on managing HIV prevention for progression to AIDS and improving the quality of life. With early diagnosis and consistent AIDS treatment, many patients suffering from HIV can live long and healthy lives.

• Antiretroviral Therapy (ART): ART involves a combination of HIV/AIDS medications that suppress HIV replication, reduce viral load, and strengthen the immune system. 
• Opportunistic Infection Treatment: People with HIV are more vulnerable to infections due to a weakened immune system. HIV/AIDS medications are used to prevent and treat opportunistic infections like pneumonia, tuberculosis, or candidiasis.
• Supportive Care: Psychological support, HIV/AIDS counselling, and social services help individuals manage the emotional and social challenges of living with HIV/AIDS.

How to Prevent HIV/AIDS?

Preventing HIV/AIDS involves taking steps to reduce the risk of infection. By following these prevention strategies, individuals can greatly reduce their risk of contracting HIV.

• Use Protective Measures: Consistent and appropriate use of protective measures during sexual intercourse can significantly reduce the risk of HIV transmission.
• Get Tested and Know Your Partner’s Status: Regularly getting tested for HIV and knowing your partner's HIV status can help prevent the spread of the virus.
• Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): PrEP is a daily medication for people who are at high risk of HIV. It can reduce the risk of getting HIV by up to 99% when taken as prescribed.
• Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP): PEP is an emergency medication taken within 72 hours after possible exposure to HIV. 
• Limit the Number of Sexual Partners: Reduce the number of sexual partners and maintain a mutually monogamous relationship with an HIV-negative partner.
• Avoid Sharing Needles: Do not share needles or syringes. People who inject drugs should use clean, sterile needles and seek help for substance use.
• Mother-to-Child Prevention: If a mother is HIV-positive, she should follow medical advice to prevent passing the virus to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. 

What is the Difference Between HIV and AIDS?

The major difference between HIV and AIDS is that HIV is a virus that attacks our immune system, while AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV infection.

Let us learn more about these differences in detail:

To Conclude

World AIDS Day serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS. It brings awareness to the importance of prevention, testing, and treatment while honouring those who have lost their lives to the disease. By coming together on this day, we renew our commitment to ending the stigma, supporting those affected, and striving for a world free of HIV/AIDS.

Getting appropriate treatment at the right time is an essential aspect of HIV prevention. Having the right health insurance ensures you get all the treatment facilities required. 

>> Also Read: HIV, Its Stages, Treatment and Prevention

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.