It’s bad enough that people are dying of AIDS, but no one should die of ignorance.” – Elizabeth Taylor
Very few people know about AIDS today, but there are many people suffering from it and every person must know about AIDS so that the serious virus caused by it can be prevented. To make everyone aware about it, we will share all the things related to it with you. That is why every year it is celebrated all over the world as Global AIDS Day, which will also be celebrated this time as World AIDS Day in 2024. Although it started in 1988, but it has been 36 years till now, that is, this time we will celebrate the 36th World Day, so let’s know.
Why Need Awareness ADIS Day in 2024:
Were you aware that even after having a lot of medical advancements millions of people are still facing discrimination, live in fear and are less aware about this condition? Even after so many years HIV still haunts people as it is still misunderstood and less discussed. World AIDS Day is a reminder that by just showing empathy, care and discussion we can deal with this condition as well.
December 1, is celebrated as World AIDS Day annually. This day encourages us to unite and fight against the deadly epidemic HIV/AIDS. The main reason to celebrate this day is to raise awareness, fight the discrimination and encourage AIDS patients to live a normal life. Along with this, it is a celebration of medicines and the ongoing efforts in eradicating AIDS. Today we will talk about the theme for World AIDS Day 2024, the importance of spreading awareness and what we have done so far. Eventually understanding what we all can do to create a better future.
What the Facts and Figures Say!
- According to the Global HIV Statistics there are 39 million HIV people as of 2023 and 1.3 million new infections that happen yearly.
- If we talk about the Treatment Coverage, only 75% AIDS diagnosed patients receive the ART, many still don’t get it.
- Surveys say that around 4,000 young individuals come in contact with HIV on a daily basis. This emerges from the need for awareness regarding HIV/AIDS.
- Majority of them are girls and women 55% of all infections in sub-Saharan Africa.
World AIDS Day 2024: The Theme
Every year World AIDS day has a new theme celebrating a new mission. This reflects that the global health organizations and communities pay attention to what is best. This year’s theme is “Leave No One Behind: Equal Access to Prevention and Care.” This theme clearly tells that healthcare is equal for every person even the underprivileged section.
UNAIDS study suggests that around 39 million people are currently living with HIV and around 5.5 million patients do not have access to healthcare. The therapy that saves people from AIDS is the antiretroviral therapy (ART), which still the underprivileged people lack.
How Raising Awareness Helps Eradicating HIV/AIDS?
No wonder by spreading awareness one can combat HIV/AIDS. Even people have a lot of myths and misinformations spreading awareness through campaigns plays a major role. It is still important to remove all the disbeliefs people have regarding HIV and AIDS.
Let’s say for example most of the people still believe that HIV aids can spread by usually or casually contact them which is completely wrong if we talk about the studies and researches according to the CDC centers, HIV can only spread only by specific bodily fluids like semen blood vaginal fluids or breastmilk and they are not supposed to be spread through physical contact . Here educational programs or campaigns play an important role in reducing the sword of stigma and discrimination which are wrong.
Therefore awareness plays an important role in promoting HIV testing also worldwide. only 25% of people that have HIV are not aware of their status. If you think you have HIV you have to do regular tests that are very important as they help in timely treatment and they also reduce the risk of transmission. Using social media campaigns and community health drives can help let all the people get the access to these test things which will eventually help people detecting HIV in the initial stages. Studies also show that over 33% of new infections happen between people who are of the age of 15 to 24. The best thing to do in this case is engaging young individuals through schools or platforms to shape a more informed and responsible generation.
Progress in HIV/AIDS Treatment and Prevention
Science has made amazing progress in preventing HIV from anterior therapy ART that people with HIV can also live long and healthy lives. It is estimated that by 2023 more than 75% of people that have HIV will be using ART.
Another great achievement in the prevention method called pre- exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). If you take this regularly PrEP can lower the risk of getting HIV by up to 99% which is great. Most of the countries now have a free or low cost PrEP program which is also a great initiative that will automatically make it very easier for people to protect themselves who do not have many income sources.
One more great thing about this is that vaccines and cures are being given the priority and research is being done for that also. A new vaccine showed early signs of success in clinical trials in 2023. We don’t have a cure yet these advancements give hope that HIV/aids will one day no longer be a threat. Is also helping mobile apps and telemedicine platforms with some private consultations, reminders, and useful information. Example apps like HIV smarter being used in areas with high HIV rates to help people stay on track with their treatment
The Importance of Fighting Stigma
Stigma is still a big challenge in preventing HIV/AIDS. People with HIV often face discrimination at work, and even from families. This can stop many from getting tested or seeking treatment. WHO and UNAIDS found that one in five people living with HIV faced discrimination in healthcare. Shows how important it is to train healthcare workers and create policies that protect patients’ rights. Community efforts play a huge role in fighting sigma. Group, and sorry telling campaigns help people share their experiences, and understanding.
Example the U equal to U campaign in brackets nondeductible equal to unfrosted table bracket close teaches that people with undetectable viral cannot pass on HIV. Messages helping to change how people view HIV. British and influencers are also making a difference by sharing their stories. Prince Harry has been a strong advocate for HIV/age awareness, younger audience to learn and care about the issue.
📣 #WorldAIDSDay2024 is coming!
This year’s theme, “Take the Rights Path,” reminds us that protecting human rights is essential to #endAIDS by 2030.
When rights are protected, health is protected.
Learn more: https://t.co/DWy7hd1edP
— UNAIDS Global (@UNAIDS) November 11, 2024
How You Can Make a Difference?
Now how can you make a difference? Everyone has a rule to play in the fight against HIV aids. Even if you are a student professional or retired, your actions can contribute to a healthy world.
- Learn and share information: Start by educating yourself about HIV age. Accurate information with your friends, family and community to dispel myths.
- Getting tested regularly: It is the first step to treatment and prevention. Local clinic or use self testing kits if available.
- Support organizations: Donate to or volunteer with organizations working on HIV/age initiatives.
- Participating in world age day events is very important. These event show solid trees and help raise awareness. Gate for policy changes push for bender healthcare policies in your community. Representatives about the need for funding HIV programs or improving the healthcare axis.
Stay Aware, Spread Awareness, and Take Action
Together, we can make a difference! Looking ahead to a future without it, World AIDS day 2024 reminds us of the incredible progress made in the fight against HIV. Also urges us to stay committed to ending this epidemic.
The red ribbon this year let it stand for hope, strength and shared promise to leave no one behind. We can build a future that is no longer a public health crisis. Formed to spread awareness and take action. What age day is more than just a date it’s a call to action to inspire and save lives. The key to breaking down the barrier that still surrounds HIV/AIDS. Small effort comes to increase waves of positive change. Here’s how you can help first educate yourself and others about HIV/AIDS. Put campaign in organization working to fight stigma, enquiries open conversation about prevention. Come forth as a volunteer to support community initiatives.
Sum up, Why Staying Aware Matters?
Knowledge is the foundation of prevention. When you are informed about HIV/AIDS you empower yourself and others. Awareness helps you
- Understand how HIV is transmitted and prevented.
- Breakdown with and misconception that feels stigma
- Recognize the importance of regular testing in early treatment.
In this way you can also play a great role in creating a more inclusive society.
