World AIDS Day: Know More and Be Aware

When the AIDS epidemic broke, because I happened to be a science nerd and knew a lot about viruses and a lot about that virus at the time, I felt a moral obligation to go out and try to stem the fear and get out and explain to people what the disease was and how it worked.

– Morgan Fairchild

Why is World AIDS Day important?

World AIDS Day is an annual opportunity to demonstrate support for those living with HIV worldwide. To offer impacted individuals with information concerning the HIV/AIDS initiative policies.

HIV/AIDS still persists as a threat to the world’s inhabitants. To commemorate and pay tribute to the over 32 million individuals who have lost their lives to AIDS-related illnesses worldwide.

Today is a chance. December 1st is a time to come together, share stories, mourn those who have died, and support them in the battle against HIV.

Being one of the most significant global public health concerns in recorded history, AIDS has killed between 35.7 million and 51.1 million people globally as of 2023, while an estimated 39.9 million people are living with HIV.

The death rate from the AIDS epidemic has dropped 69% since its peak in 2004 (from a total of 1.9 million in 2004 to 630,000 in 2020) as a result of renewed availability of antiretroviral therapy in many parts of the world.

Each year, international groups, federal agencies, and United Nations agencies come together to raise awareness of specific HIV-related issues.

Being one of the most well-known international health days, it serves as a significant platform for promoting awareness, remembering the deceased, and celebrating successes, including better access to preventative and treatment services.

World AIDS Day is one of the eleven official global public health campaigns run by the World Health Organization (WHO), including World AIDS Day, World Blood Donor Day, World Immunization Week, World Tuberculosis Day, World No Tobacco Day, World Malaria Day, World Hepatitis Day, World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, World Patient Safety Day, and World Chagas Disease Day.

History of World AIDS Day

In August 1987, two public information officers for the Global Program on AIDS at the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland, Thomas Netter and James W. Bunn, a former television broadcast journalist from San Francisco, came up with the idea for World AIDS Day.

Bunn had suggested December 1st because he thought it would maximize coverage of World AIDS Day in western news outlets, long enough after the US elections but before Christmas.

Only four years after the virus was discovered and officially classified, World AIDS Day was first observed in 1988. It served as a forum to honor the lives lost to the pandemic and to increase public awareness of HIV and AIDS.

Later improvements in medical research, greater access to prevention and treatment, and a better understanding of the virus have all contributed to tremendous progress in combating HIV and AIDS.

World AIDS Day programming was taken over by the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), which went into operation in 1996.

The World AIDS Campaign was established by UNAIDS in 1997 with an emphasis on education and critical information. The World AIDS Campaign gained its independence in 2004.

The White House has been commemorating World AIDS Day since 1993, when the US president issued an official proclamation.

More knowledge about HIV/AIDS has been gained since its inception thanks to the efforts of men and women worldwide. For example, sharing a toilet seat or a cup of coffee does not spread the virus, but this knowledge has only slowed its progression.

AIDS has claimed the lives of nearly 35 million people since the virus and its associated illness were discovered, considerably outnumbering many of the other most deadly illnesses in human history.

With over 1.5 million people worldwide receiving an HIV diagnosis each year, the disease’s propagation is still widespread today. Furthermore, despite the awareness-raising campaign, a large number of people remain ignorant of the facts and reality.

Themes of World AIDS Day

Following discussions with UNAIDS, WHO, and national and international organizations that support HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, each World AIDS Day campaign focuses on a different subject. Since 2008, the World AIDS Campaign’s (WAC) Global Steering Committee has selected the annual topic.

“Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise” was the theme for each World AIDS Day from 2005 to 2010, designed to persuade world leaders to uphold their pledge to provide universal access to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and support by 2010.

In the context of other significant international events, such as the G8 Summit, the themes are utilized year-round in international initiatives to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS.

The following table lists all of the World AIDS Day themes for each year since the campaign’s agreement year.

Source: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_AIDS_Day

World AIDS Day timeline

1981:The first official report of AIDS was made in 1981.

A medical article reports that five gay men in San Francisco, USA, had strange diseases and weakened immune systems, which finally caused their deaths.

1985: Ryan White was expelled from school.

Ryan White, an American youngster who contracted HIV while receiving blood transfusions for medical reasons, is prohibited from attending his Indiana school. Five years later, at the age of eighteen, he passed away from the virus.

1988: The World Health Organization (WHO) instituted.

The World Health Organization (WHO) established the inaugural World AIDS Day on December 1st, 1988, following the introduction of the Global Program on AIDS the year before to increase awareness of the problem.

1996: The hands-off World AIDS Day

When the day’s organization is transferred to the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the project’s scope is broadened.

2018: South Africa experienced the world’s biggest HIV epidemic.

South Africa is said to have the world’s greatest HIV epidemic, with over 7.7 million cases of the infection and at least 71,000 fatalities. Since women are disproportionately impacted, awareness is desperately needed.

The story behind the red ribbon: The symbol of AIDS

People with HIV and those who have passed away wear the red ribbon, which has gained worldwide prominence as a symbol of AIDS awareness. However, where did the ribbon originate?

The origins of this sign began in 1988 when art professionals founded a group called Visual AIDS in response to the adverse impact of AIDS on the arts world and as a way for art institutions and audiences to take direct action against the disease.

A group of Visual AIDS artists collaborated to create a visual symbol in 1991 honoring HIV/AIDS. The yellow ribbons representing American soldiers serving in the Gulf War served as inspiration.

The red ribbon was chosen by artists. Red’s “connection to blood and the idea of passion — not only anger but love like a valentine” is why it was chosen.

Red was selected because it is a striking and conspicuous color that symbolizes passion, heart, and love. Red is the most appropriate color to choose because AIDS is primarily spread through blood.

However, because of their strong associations with the gay community, pink and rainbow were purposefully avoided. The artists wanted to show that HIV was not just a problem for gay people; it affected everyone.

The ribbon’s straightforward design was selected due to its ease of creation and replication. The artists intended for their emblem to be “a consciousness-raising symbol, not as a commercial or trademark tool,” hence they wanted to make sure it was free of copyright.

The founders of the project say, ‘The Red Ribbon Project’ was the title that was assigned to the project.

That year, the Red Ribbon Project volunteers set out to deliver red ribbons and messages to every Tony Award recipient in the United States. On national television, actor Jeremy Irons was depicted wearing a red ribbon attached to his lapel.

Over one billion people across more than 70 countries watched the television show. Because of Princess Diana’s well-known support of AIDS, several celebrities put on red ribbons throughout the 1990s.

These days, wearing a red ribbon is an easy and effective approach to combat the discrimination and stigma associated with AIDS. This World AIDS Day, proudly wear yours!

What you can do on World AIDS Day

This World AIDS Day, there are several ways to get involved, including wearing a red ribbon, raising money for the National AIDS Trust, and raising awareness of issues impacting individuals living with HIV. Here are some suggestions about what you can do.

Put on the red ribbon.

An enduring sign of support for everyone impacted by HIV and AIDS is the recognizable red ribbon. Wearing a red ribbon will help us achieve our objective of preventing new HIV transmissions by 2030 and send a message of solidarity.

Get tested

The only method to determine whether you have HIV is to be tested. If you have HIV, you can live a full, healthy, and productive life if you begin treatment early. Numerous GP (General Practice) offices, pharmacies, national or government sexual health clinics, charity testing programs, and online resources for at-home self-testing offer free and private HIV tests.

Inform others

We’re asking: How will you contribute to the eradication of HIV stigma on this World AIDS Day? In order to combat stigma and improve the lives of those living with HIV, everyone can play a part.

Flaunt the red ribbon virtually.

Using our virtual red ribbon, you can raise awareness of World AIDS Day worldwide. To demonstrate your support for individuals living with HIV, include the ribbon in your email. signature, profile picture, relevant Snapchat filters, create threads, add tweets, Instagram stories and posts, and go live on social media.

Oversee events

The fight against HIV/AIDS is a collective endeavor. As an organizer of an event, this day is a chance to dispel stereotypes and promote advocacy and education. Oversee various strategies and tactics to raise awareness of World AIDS Day, such as awareness campaigns, health summits, healthy dialogues and debates and fundraising events.

World AIDS Day quotes

• Let’s collaborate to prevent new HIV infections, provide access to treatment, and support everyone affected by HIV/AIDS.
• Education and awareness are key to stopping the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Knowledge saves lives.
• Stigma and discrimination have no place in the fight against HIV/AIDS. It’s time to be understanding, supportive, and compassionate.
• In order to remove HIV from the next generation, let’s pledge on this World AIDS Day to support prevention, testing, and treatment.
• Recognizing the importance of compassion and solidarity in supporting persons and communities affected by HIV/AIDS.
• Everyone has a right to excellent healthcare and HIV prevention initiatives. Let’s make certain that nobody is left behind.
• By working together, we can overcome the challenges posed by HIV/AIDS and create a society where everyone is healthy.
• Let’s remove barriers and empower people to receive care, treatment, and testing without fear.
• Raising awareness now will result in improved health later on. Together, we can eradicate HIV/AIDS.

What is HIV/AIDS?

HIV, also known as lentivirus (literally, “slow virus”), is a retrovirus that inserts its instructions into your DNA by working backward; it is also the virus that gradually targets and kills the white blood cells, the immune system, and the body’s protection against infection.

When HIV has significantly compromised your immune system, it can result in other infections and some cancers, which can develop into acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), the last stage of HIV infection.

It may also have other conditions that often develop and show signs of progressing to AIDS, such as deadly infections and malignancies. HIV infections develop into AIDS in roughly ten years if therapy is not received.

Prevalence and transmission of HIV/AIDS

Blood, breast milk, semen, and vaginal secretions are among the bodily fluids from HIV-positive individuals that can be shared. Additionally, HIV can be passed from mother to the baby during pregnancy and childbirth.

HIV cannot be contracted by routine daily contact, such as sharing food, water or personal items, kissing, hugging, or handshakes. Coughing, sneezing, or casual touch (such as shaking hands) do not transmit HIV.

The risk of acquiring HIV through sexual intercourse is increased by other STDs including syphilis, genital herpes, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, most likely due to the genital sores they create.

Signs and symptoms

Depending on the stage of infection, HIV symptoms can change. In the initial months following infection, HIV spreads more readily, although many people do not become aware of their status until much later.

People may not show any symptoms in the initial weeks following infection. Others might be suffering from a flu-like disease, such as:

• Fever
• Chills.
• Fatigue.
• Sore throat.
• Muscle aches.
• Night sweats.
• Rash.
• Mouth sores.
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headache
• Confusion
• Meningitis

The immune system is gradually weakened by the virus. Other symptoms and indicators may result from this:

• Swollen lymph nodes
• Weight loss
• Diarrhea
• Cough.

HIV exacerbates other illnesses, including smallpox, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.

Diagnosis

Rapid diagnostic tests that yield results the same day can be used to diagnose HIV. This makes early diagnosis and its connection to prevention and therapy much easier. HIV self-tests are another way for people to test themselves.

However, confirmatory testing is necessary because no single test can fully diagnose HIV positivity. Using WHO-prequalified assays in conjunction with a nationally authorized testing approach and algorithm, HIV infection can be identified with high accuracy.

To rule out any possible testing or reporting error, individuals should undergo additional testing after receiving a positive diagnosis before beginning treatment and care. Viral testing for infants must begin at birth or within six weeks of the baby’s birth.

This test can now be performed at the point of care using new technologies that allow for same-day results, speeding up the proper linkage with care and therapy.

Treatment

HIV infection has no known cure. Antiretroviral medications are used to treat it because they prevent the virus from multiplying within the body. Current antiretroviral therapy (ART) strengthens an individual’s immune system but does not cure HIV infection.

They are better able to combat additional illnesses as a result. At the moment, ART needs to be taken daily for the remainder of one’s life.

People without HIV who take antiretroviral medications can stop the infection from spreading further and finally have an undetectable HIV viral load. Physicians may recommend antiretroviral medications (ARVs), such as oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), and long-acting products as ways to help prevent HIV infection and long-acting injectable cabotegravir vaginal rings containing dapivirine.

Tests and screening

The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is the most widely used HIV test. The test is conducted again on the same blood sample if the result is positive. A more specialized test, like the Western blot, is used to confirm another positive result.

Other alternatives include Single Use Diagnostic Screening (SUDS) and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests, which screen for viral RNA and hence enable detection of the virus after very recent contact.

In order to screen more at-risk populations globally, pharmaceutical companies are creating new, less expensive tests. Antigen/antibody tests and nucleic acid tests (NATs) are some of the vital tests that help in the diagnosis of HIV.

Prevention

• HIV is an avoidable illness so use a male or female condom during intercourse
• Avoid using condoms derived from animal materials, such as lambskin.
• Use lotions or lubricants that are based on water.
• Don’t share needles when using narcotics.

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