Long before the Coronavirus wreaked havoc in everyone’s lives, there was another deadly virus that had swept across the globe. The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that still continues to inflict untold misery on countless lives.
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) refers to a spectrum of conditions caused by HIV. The AIDS virus interferes and slowly destroys the body’s defense mechanism, the immune system. This virus is a silent killer, as the symptoms often go unnoticed for a long time. As time progresses, the immune system deteriorates, and even simple diseases turn into life-threatening medical conditions.
The AIDS virus is primarily spread through the transfusion of HIV-positive blood, sharing contaminated hypodermic needles, unprotected sex, and even from mother to infant during pregnancy. However, it must be noted that the AIDS virus cannot be transmitted via other body fluids like saliva, sweat, or tears.
Why Is World AIDS Day Important?
For many years, AIDS was a dreaded disease, and its victims were either publicly or privately shunned by society. World AIDS Day was initiated to remove the stigma and misconceptions attached to this disease. Today, many treatments are available that help AIDS victims manage the disease and carry on with their lives as normally as possible.
Every year since 1988, World AIDS Day has been commemorated worldwide on December 1. On World AIDS Day, awareness about different aspects of the AIDS pandemic is provided through various mediums.
The Significance Of World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day is highly important as it aims to remove the disparities that exist even today, especially with regard to access to healthcare, etc. Apart from commemorating those who have fallen victim to this dreaded disease, several World AIDS Day activities serve to raise awareness of the still ongoing AIDS pandemic and the various methods that can be utilized to prevent the spread of the AIDS virus.
Remember, we must also do our part in spreading vital information about the spread and prevention of AIDS. Use hashtags #WorldAIDSDay & #StopHIVTogether to show your support for this noble cause.
If you are interested in learning more about the various deadly viruses around the world, take a look at the Top 10 List Of Worst Health Viruses Of All Time.