Introduction 

650,000 is a number that defines the deadly disease AIDS. What does this score stand for? It's the number of people who died in 2021 due to AIDS. Scary right? Yes, it is.

 

Today AIDS is the deadliest disease surviving in approx 38.4 million people in the world, according to WHO. Several reasons for this rise include - unawareness, ignorance, financial inability to get proper treatment, or illiteracy. So, to spread awareness about this disease, world AIDS day is celebrated. However, it is crucial to know every aspect of AIDS for every individual. 

 

What is AIDS?

 

AIDS is an acronym for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. It is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV interferes with the body's ability to fight off infections, leading to an increased risk of developing certain cancers and other diseases.

 

The symptoms of AIDS can vary uniquely for every patient. Some of the common symptoms are:

• Weight loss
• Skin rashes
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Night Sweats
• Diarrhea
• Recurrent infections

 

AIDS is detected through HIV testing. This involves a blood test or an oral swab test, which looks for the HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) virus in your body. World aids day is celebrated on December 1 annually to spread awareness about this deadly disease.

 

What is HIV?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight off infections and other diseases. It can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), a life-threatening illness with no cure. HIV is spread through contact with certain body fluids, such as blood, semen, and vaginal fluids, from an infected person. It can also be spread by sharing needles or other injecting drug equipment.

 

How is AIDS transmitted?

 

AIDS is mainly transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person or contact with bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, or vaginal fluid. It can also be transmitted from a mother to her baby during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or childbirth.

 

Facts about AIDS

• AIDS is one of the leading causes of death worldwide.
• Over 35 million people are living with AIDS worldwide.
• AIDS is a preventable disease.
• AIDS is the leading cause of death among women of reproductive age.
• AIDS is a global epidemic and has spread to all corners of the world.
• HIV remains a major global public health issue, having claimed 40.1 million {33.6 - 48.6 million} lives.
• In 2021, "650,000 {510,000-860,000}" people died from HIV-related causes, and 1.5 million {1.1- 2.0 million} people acquired HIV.
• An estimated 38.4 million {33.9-43.8 million} people were living with HIV at the end of 2021.

 

Why is AIDS Day celebrated?

 

World AIDS Day is celebrated on December 1. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. It is also the day we mourn for those who have died of the disease. Government and health officials usually mark the day with speeches or forums on AIDS topics. In addition, the day is often marked with performances and other events to draw the public's attention to the need for further action to combat AIDS.

 

What is the Red Ribbon Symbolise?

 

The red ribbon symbolizes awareness and support for those living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. Activists first wore it in 1991 to show solidarity for those living with the disease and remind the public of the need for greater education, prevention, and funding for research and treatment. The red ribbon symbolizes hope, courage, and compassion for people living with HIV/AIDS. On World AIDS Day, people worldwide show their support by wearing a red ribbon.

 

#RockTheRibbon 

#RockThe Ribbon was the campaign for World AIDS Day 2022. The campaign was associated with delivering the message of Rock the ribbon by wearing a red ribbon pin, bracelet, or another accessory to show people support for those affected by HIV/AIDS. People across the globe shared photos of their ribbons on social media with the hashtag #RockTheRibbon and encouraged others to take a stand against HIV/AIDS. Every individual shared unique ideas and messages along with their pictures to support the #RockTheRibbon campaign.

 

How is AIDS cured?

The treatments available can help people with AIDS manage the disease and live longer, healthier lives. These treatments involve medicines that reduce the amount of virus in the body and strengthen the immune system. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to managing the virus and preventing further complications.

 

Treatment for AIDS is highly individualized and depends on several factors, including the patient's overall health, the stage of the disease, and the presence of any other infections or health problems. 

 

Treatment typically includes a combination of antiretroviral drugs to slow the virus's progression and reduce the risk of opportunistic infections; prophylactic medications to prevent infections; and lifestyle changes such as good nutrition, adequate rest, and stress reduction. 

 

In some cases, treatment may also involve surgery or other medical procedures. However, to make people aware AIDS vaccine day is also celebrated.

 

World AIDS vaccine day

 

World AIDS Vaccine Day is celebrated on May 18 each year to raise awareness of the need for an effective AIDS vaccine and to support the progress toward its development. This day of recognition was established by the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR). It is an opportunity to recognize the efforts of researchers, healthcare providers, and activists working hard to find a vaccine and promote HIV/AIDS education, awareness, and prevention efforts.

 

Conclusion

 

Now that you are aware of AIDS, take the pledge to educate people around you about this disease. If you find someone suffering from the symptoms mentioned above, suggest or take them to Medanta for instant treatment. You can also be a part of the celebration of World AIDS day every year through several live campaigns. But you can take the initiative around your social space.