World AIDS Day, held annually on December 1st, is a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to fight HIV and AIDS. Since 1988, this global event has brought communities together to break the stigma surrounding HIV, honour the lives lost, and celebrate the resilience of those living with the virus.
Why World AIDS Day Matters
HIV and AIDS have had a devastating global impact. Over 39 million people worldwide were living with HIV at the end of 2023, and in the UK alone, the figure exceeds 105,000 (HIV, 2024) (Raising awareness this World AIDS Day, 2024). Over the past four decades, more than 35 million people have died from AIDS-related illnesses, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.
Today, thanks to advancements in medicine, people living with HIV can enjoy long, healthy lives with proper treatment. However, stigma and misunderstanding still surround the virus. Organisations like the National AIDS Trust receive countless reports of discrimination against people with HIV, from workplaces to healthcare settings.
World AIDS Day serves as a platform to raise awareness, inspire leadership, and push for a future where HIV no longer stands in the way of health, dignity, and equality.
What is HIV, and How Does it Affect the Body?
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically targeting CD4 cells (a type of white blood cell that helps fight infections). Without treatment, HIV reduces the number of these cells, weakening the immune system and making it harder for the body to fight off infections and diseases.
If left untreated, HIV progresses to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), the most severe stage of the infection. At this stage, the immune system is so damaged that even minor infections can become life-threatening.
How is HIV Transmitted?
HIV is primarily spread through:
- Unprotected sexual contact with someone who has HIV.
- Sharing needles or syringes, often through drug use.
- Mother-to-child transmission during childbirth or breastfeeding (though this is rare with modern treatments).
- Blood transfusions in regions where screening is not rigorous (less common in developed countries).
HIV cannot be transmitted through casual contact like hugging, shaking hands, or sharing utensils.
Why Was AIDS So Deadly in the Past?
Before the development of effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), an HIV diagnosis was often a death sentence. Without treatment, the virus rapidly weakened the immune system, leaving individuals vulnerable to opportunistic infections and cancers.
In the 1980s and 1990s, access to medication was limited, especially in low-income countries. Many people died not just because of the virus but because they couldn’t access the care they needed.
The Modern Reality of HIV
Today, HIV is no longer the death sentence it once was. With antiretroviral therapy (ART), people living with HIV can suppress the virus to undetectable levels. This means they not only live long and healthy lives but also cannot transmit the virus to others (often referred to as U=U: Undetectable = Untransmittable).
However, access to these life-saving treatments is not universal. In some parts of the world, people still struggle to access or afford medication, highlighting the ongoing need for global action and investment.
How Do I Know if I Have HIV?
The only way to know for sure if you have HIV is to get tested, as the virus often doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms for years. A simple blood test can detect HIV and is widely available at clinics, hospitals, and through at-home testing kits. Early detection is key—if you test positive, starting treatment promptly can help you manage the virus, protect your health, and prevent passing it on to others.
Certain groups and situations make testing particularly important. You should get tested if you:
- Have had unprotected sex, especially with multiple partners.
- Share needles or syringes for drug use.
- Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant (to protect the baby from transmission).
- Have been diagnosed with another sexually transmitted infection (STI).
- Think you may have been exposed to HIV through a partner or other circumstances.
Preventing HIV involves taking proactive steps, such as always using condoms, not sharing needles, and considering PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) if you are at higher risk. PrEP is a medication that significantly reduces the chance of contracting HIV when taken as prescribed. Additionally, regular testing and open communication with sexual partners are essential for reducing the risk of transmission and staying in control of your health.
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The Red Ribbon: A Symbol of Hope
The red ribbon has become an iconic symbol of awareness and support for those living with HIV. Created in 1991 by a group of artists in New York, the ribbon’s bold red colour represents passion, love, and solidarity. Wearing a red ribbon on World AIDS Day is a simple yet powerful way to show support and raise awareness.
What Can You Do on World AIDS Day?
Here are a few ways you can make a difference:
- Wear a red ribbon to show solidarity and raise awareness.
- Educate yourself and others about HIV and AIDS to break the stigma.
- Fundraise or donate to organisations like the National AIDS Trust that support people living with HIV.
- Advocate for equal access to healthcare, especially for communities disproportionately affected by HIV.
Looking Ahead: Ending HIV by 2030
The UK government has set an ambitious goal: to end new HIV transmissions by 2030 (England on track to end new HIV transmissions by 2030, 2023). Achieving this requires continued investment, political leadership, and a collective commitment to eradicating stigma and discrimination.
We’ve come so far in the fight against HIV, but the journey isn’t over. By staying informed, supporting those affected, and pushing for change, we can ensure a future where HIV no longer defines or limits lives.
A Time to Reflect and Remember
World AIDS Day is also a time to honour those we’ve lost to HIV and AIDS-related illnesses. It’s a moment to celebrate the progress we’ve made, but also a reminder of the work still ahead.
Together, we can fight stigma, champion equality, and work toward a world free from HIV.
Sources:
England on track to end new HIV transmissions by 2030 (2023) GOV.UK. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/england-on-track-to-end-new-hiv-transmissions-by-2030 (Accessed: 26 November 2024).
HIV (2024) World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/themes/hiv-aids#:~:text=Since%20the%20beginning%20of%20the,considerably%20between%20countries%20and%20regions. (Accessed: 26 November 2024).
Raising awareness this World AIDS Day (no date) Northumberland County Council. Available at: https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/News/2024/Nov/Raising-awareness-this-World-AIDS-Day.aspx#:~:text=Over%20105%2C000%20people%20are%20living,commemorate%20people%20who%20have%20died. (Accessed: 25 November 2024).
