World AIDS Day is a special occasion that takes place every 1st December of every year. It presents an opportunity to unify people in the battle against HIV and AIDS, remember those who succumbed to HIV and AIDS and also show support for those living with HIV and AIDS. The first World AIDS Day was held in 1988. AIDS is one of the deadliest diseases in the current times.
AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is a disease caused by a virus known as HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). Both the disease and the virus are referred to as HIV/AIDS. The disease attacks the immune system leaving the body exposed to diseases and infections. The virus is found in all body fluids. It can be transmitted through sex or blood. Positive mothers can pass the virus to their babies during delivery or breastfeeding.
People with HIV are said to have HIV infection which then develops to AIDS. The origin of HIV is not clearly known but it dates back to the early twentieth century in West Africa. Aids and its virus were first recognized in early 1980s.
Currently it has no cure, although, treatments can slow its course. UNAIDS report shows that, in 2001, the number of children infected with HIV fell by 50%, while generally there was a drop of about 34%.
It is estimated that about 34 million people are infected by HIV globally. Approximately more than 35 million have succumbed to HIV, which has made is one of the deadliest pandemics in the history of humankind. It is possible to end the AIDS pandemic by 2030, mainly through closing the gap between those who can access its prevention and treatment and those left behind. Closing the gap will include among other things like:
Emergency prevention – This is possible to people who have been exposed to the virus, it is known as Post Exposure Prophylaxis (EPH).
HIV test and counseling
HIV awareness education
Male circumcision
Use of condoms during sex
Safer sex education
Using screened blood during blood transfusion
Using sterilized piercing objects
Ensuring safe delivery to prevent mother to child transmission
If you feel, think or suspect you have HIV/AIDS, the first thing to do is contact a doctor. Let the doctor examine you then he/she will advise you accordingly. Signs of HIV/AIDS are noticeable by anyone around the patient but the symptoms are felt by the patient him/herself.
After the early symptoms, there will be no signs or symptoms for many years. This period allows the virus to develop, causing damage to the immune system.
During this period the possibility of developing killer diseases is high. These diseases may include:
Great strides have been made in HIV treatment. The day provides an opportunity for people to learn facts about HIV/AIDS. People can also show their support by wearing red ribbons to show their support. Wolds AIDS Day is here once more.
“On this World AIDS Day, we call on world leaders to unite in our common cause. We have started to turn the tide. We have set a bold target. Let us end AIDS together by 2030.” Ban Ki Moon – UN Secretary General.
There millennium development goals for 2015 include:
HIV/AIDS is still spreading at an alarming rate. In Africa the disease is killing millions every year. Those willing to go help in the fight against HIV/AIDS can book their trip through mytravelmaps.org site, and a percentage of their booking will be donated to the charity of their choice. The day is special, let’s all come out and together we will win the battle.