World Aids Day is observed with a new theme every year on December 1. Well, this year the theme for the day is “End inequalities. End AIDS”. The WHO and its partner organizations are focusing on people who are left behind and are victims of different prejudices and discriminatory remarks by their own society.
What is AIDS?
AIDS is the last stage of HIV infection that occurs when the body’s immune system is badly damaged because of the virus.
Why is the day celebrated?
World’s AIDS Day is celebrated in order to extend support to those who have to live with the life-threatening condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
How does the disease work?
The disease, however, remains to be a major health issue for society which results in affecting millions of people across the world. The virus attacks the immune system and reduces its resistance to other diseases, thereby putting the life of the patient at risk.
History:
The first World AIDS Day was observed in the year 1988. James Myhre, an American journalist was the one to have first discovered the day. It is today known as the longest-running awareness program in the history of mankind.
Even though the globe has made necessary changes and progress in regards to the vision towards the people who are victims of the disease, the process still lags behind in 2021 and has a long way to evolve.
Significance:
The world AIDS Day is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness. Founded in 1988, World AIDS Day was the first-ever global health day.
World AIDS Day is significant because it reminds the public and government that HIV has not gone away – there is still a vital need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice, and improve education.
It’s symptoms:
-An extremely healthy-looking person is also likely to suffer from this disease.
-Unexplained fatigue, fever, sores around genitals or neck, pneumonia, etc. are included too
-Then there’s stage two, which is also known as clinical latency that might not show any particular symptoms. This stage is also called chronic HIV infection. It can be a long one and may go on for 10 years as well.
-Stage three is AIDS which results in the weakening of the body’s immune system. Symptoms can be rapid weight loss, recurring fever, night sweats, extreme unexplained tiredness, swollen lymph nodes, chronic diarrhea, sores in the mouth and genitals, pneumonia, neurological disorders, depression, memory loss and it can also manifest on the skin in the form of rashes
How to cure AIDS?
The disease is not entirely curable but there are a few measures that can help in prevention. The treatment for AIDS includes antiretroviral therapy (ART) and HIV medicines to reduce the risk of transmission. The treatment for AIDS includes antiretroviral therapy (ART) and HIV medicines to reduce the risk of transmission.
Besides, the other preventive measures against HIV AIDS include, using protection during sexual intercourse, avoiding sharing needles, blades, etc with other people, and building good body immunity.
This World AIDS Day let us promise ourselves, that as being part of a society we’ll never take steps like discriminating derogating, or looking down on people who are suffering from the disease. Instead, we can do these things:
1) Talk. Be available to have open, honest conversations about HIV (They are already neglected by the others in the society, try to at least talk and extend a helping hand)
2) Listen: Listening to these victims will provide them mental support. Reassure them that HIV is a manageable health condition.
3) Encourage treatment: Some people who get diagnosed with the virus may find it hard to take that first step to HIV treatment. Your support and assistance may be helpful. By getting linked to HIV medical care early, starting treatment with HIV medication (called antiretroviral therapy or ART), adhering to medication, and staying in care, people with HIV can keep the virus under control, and prevent their HIV infection from progressing to AIDS.
