World AIDS Day 2022 being observed today
A large number of lives are at risk as a result of the recent halt in HIV objective progress and resource depletion.
KATHMANDU: Every year on Dec 1, the world commemorates World AIDS Day.
This is an opportunity for people all over the world to unite in the fight against HIV, to support those who are living with HIV, and to remember those who have died as a result of an AIDS-related illness.
Even as HIV remains a serious public health concern affecting millions of people worldwide, the global HIV response is under threat. A large number of lives are at risk as a result of the recent halt in HIV objective progress and resource depletion. HIV became and continues to be a global health epidemic as a result of a number of flaws, including division, inequality, and a disregard for human rights.
Theme, history, significance and more
Disparities that fuel the AIDS pandemic can be addressed; they are not unavoidable. On this World AIDS Day, December 1, UNAIDS is calling on everyone to confront the injustices that are impeding the fight to end AIDS.
The theme “Equalize” is a rallying cry. It is a rallying cry for all of us to pursue the tried-and-true methods needed to close gaps and aid in the eradication of AIDS. These are as follows:
Increase the availability, quality, and acceptability of HIV treatment, testing, and prevention services to ensure that everyone is well served.
Reform laws, policies, and practices to combat prejudice and isolation experienced by HIV-positive people as well as important and disadvantaged communities. Everyone will be respected and accepted as a result of this.
To ensure equitable access to the most advanced HIV science, ensure technology exchange among communities as well as between the Global South and the North.
Communities will be free to use and modify the “Equalize” message to draw attention to the specific inequities they face and to advocate for the necessary corrective measures.
History
On Dec 1, 1988, the World Health Organization (WHO) established World AIDS Day to encourage information sharing among local and national governments, international organizations, and private citizens. When the first World AIDS Day was observed in 1988, it was estimated that 90,000 to 150,000 people were HIV-positive, leading to AIDS.
Within 20 years, more than 33 million people had contracted HIV, and over 25 million people have died from the illness since 1981, when the first case of AIDS was documented. As a result, AIDS awareness campaigns began to place a greater emphasis on uniting and funding global organizations that educate societies about HIV/AIDS. In 2022, World AIDS Day will be held on Thursday, Dec 1st.
WHO coordinated World AIDS Day until 1996, creating annual themes and events. Following that, UNAIDS, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, assumed these responsibilities. UNAIDS established the World AIDS Campaign (WAC) in 1997 to raise AIDS awareness and integrate AIDS information on a global scale.
The WAC began operating independently in 2005, with offices in Cape Town, South Africa, and Amsterdam, Namibia. The WAC generates information for World AIDS Day while also ensuring the support of authorities and AIDS organizations.
Importance
Approximately 38 million individuals globally carry the HIV virus.
Despite the fact that the virus was only discovered in 1984, it was one of the most devastating pandemics in history, killing nearly 35 million people.
HIV treatment has advanced scientifically, and legislation protecting those living with HIV is in place. Many people living with the disease continue to face stigma and discrimination because the general public is unaware of the realities of how to protect oneself and others.
World AIDS Day is significant because it reminds the public and the government that HIV is still a serious problem that requires immediate funding, increased awareness, prejudice eradication, and improved educational opportunities.
