World AIDS Day is observed annually on December 1st. The day honors all of those who have lost their lives to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) and those who are infected with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).
It also raises awareness of the pandemic and the spread of the virus and aims to break misconceptions about AIDS by educating people on prevention and control of the disease.
AIDS is a disease that is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV attacks the body’s immune system, which is the natural defense against infections and diseases. AIDS stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, which means that the immune system has become so weak that it cannot fight off certain illnesses and cancers. People with AIDS are more likely to get infections such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and fungal infections, as well as some types of cancer. AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV infection, and it can be fatal if not treated. However, with effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), people with HIV can live long and healthy lives and prevent the progression of AIDS. ART is a combination of medicines that reduces the amount of HIV in the body and strengthens the immune system. ART also reduces the risk of transmitting HIV to others. There is no cure for HIV or AIDS, but there are ways to prevent getting infected or passing the virus to others. Some of the prevention methods are:
- Using condoms correctly and consistently during sexual intercourse.
- Avoiding sharing needles, syringes, or other equipment for injecting drugs.
- Getting tested for HIV regularly and knowing your status.
- Taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) or post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) if you are at high risk of exposure to HIV.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, taking ART to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
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