World Aids Day!

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is caused by the HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) virus that directly attacks the immune system of the body. It is a chronic disease that stays with the infected person forever. The first ever HIV virus was found in chimpanzees. The virus has been found in chimps in Africa as early as the 1920s. The virus then reached the United States in the 1970s but it didn’t really get enough attention until the 1980s.

It is important to note the difference between HIV and AIDS. HIV is the virus that if left untreated will develop into AIDS which is a medical condition. HIV is transmitted through sexual intercourse, blood transmission, and perinatal transmission such as an HIV positive mother to the fetus during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The severity can be lessened by using particular medications and changing ones’ lifestyle

What Is World AIDS Day and Why It Is Celebrated?
In order to raise awareness, the World Health Organization decided to start recognizing World AIDS Day annually on December 1st. It’s an important day for people all over the world to unite in fighting this condition and to support those who are affected by it. It is also a way to help remind the world’s population and the that this illness is still very much a serious issue and it needs attention

Some facts World AIDS Day

1. World AIDS Day Celebration
The first time it was ever celebrated was on December 1, 1988. The World Health Organization introduced this day in order to generate awareness and to help stop the increasing number of people being infected by HIV

2. Functions and Awareness Programs Are Observed on World AIDS Day
Every December 1st, all over the world, special awareness campaigns are observed. During these campaigns, different discussions happen and professional speakers present their thoughts on HIV & AIDS. This also includes what the scientific community is doing to help combat the illness. Donation drives are also highlighted. The fund generated by these activities goes towards research and also medication to those who are afflicted

3. The importance of awareness
One way World AIDS Day has helped the world is increasing awareness. Because of awareness campaigns, the number of HIV infections has decreased annually. It is no longer a taboo topic but a topic of discussion across the globe. It has also helped people who are suffering from HIV & AIDS to live a simple and normal life because now, people know that they cannot get HIV by just hugging someone or touching. When HIV first became widespread there was a lot of misconceptions on how it could be contracted. Overall, It has helped to eradicate the myths related to the disease. Get tested sooner rather than later. Detection is the key to prevention. HIV doesn’t have to lead to AIDS. Huge progress has been made since the 1970s and regular medication can help stop AIDS from forming.