Overview
World AIDS Day, designated on 1
December every year since 1988, is an international day dedicated to raising
awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection and
mourning those who have died of the disease. The acquired immunodeficiency
syndrome is a life-threatening condition caused by the human immunodeficiency
virus. The HIV virus attacks the immune system of the patient and reduces its
resistance to other diseases. Government and health officials, non-governmental
organizations, and individuals around the world observe the day, often with
education on AIDS prevention and control.
In 1986, India detected its first
case of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), caused by the Human
Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). As we observe World AIDS Day on December 1, to
raise awareness and to unite people worldwide in the fight against the global
health issue, it is also vital to fight the shame around it and focus on
administering care and support for those who are already living with the
disease.
During an interview with Hindustan Times, Dr. Ranjana Becon, Gynecologist at Columbia Asia Hospital in Ghaziabad shared, "Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), can be transmitted through use of contaminated syringe for medical purposes or shared activities such as injecting drugs into the bloodstream, sexual intercourse not protected through a condom or diaphragm, or from an infected mother to child during pregnancy, birth or through breastfeeding."
History and Significance of World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day was first assigned
in August 1988 by James W. Bunn and Thomas Netter, to get some likeness of
control over the pandemic that had claimed the lives of so many people. Both
James W. Bunn and Thomas Netter were public information officers for the AIDS
Global Program of the World Health Organisation. They conveyed the idea for the
observation of this day to the Director of the AIDS Global Program, Dr.
Johnathan Mann, who approved it for December 1.
Every year, World AIDS day is
observed with a particular theme in mind. One of the theme is, "Ending the
HIV/AIDS Epidemic: Resilience and Impact", which will focus on creating
global solidarity among people who live with HIV and also seek to destigmatize
the health issue.
Progress in HIV control but still a long way ahead for India.