World AIDS Day- 2019
Each year, 1st December is celebrated as the World AIDS Day by the World Health Organization to create support and raise awareness about AIDS. The first World AIDS Day was observed in 1988 and has been continuing ever since to raise, unite the world against AIDS and HIV.
ClinicSpots aims to bring attention to the HIV epidemic, endeavor to increase HIV awareness and knowledge, speak out against HIV stigma, and call for an increased response to move toward ending the HIV epidemic.
The World Health Organiztion estimates that “ 37.9 million people living with HIV at the end of 2018, 79% received testing, 62% received treatment, and 53% had achieved suppression of the HIV virus with reduced risk of infecting others.”
Ever wondered why the words AIDS and HIV are always mentioned together?
Well, HIV or the Human Immunodeficiency Virus causes a life-threatening medical condition which is known as AIDS — Acquired Immunodeficiency Virus. The HIV virus is capable of causing great damage to a person’s immune system making him susceptible to a wide range of infections. The immune system of the body becomes extremely weak and unable to tackle or destroy harmful organisms within the body.
Remember, HIV is a virus that may cause an infection while AIDS is a condition
AIDS as a condition develops when HIV in the body destroys most of CD4 or T-cells which are an important component of the human immunity system. The weakened immune system can no longer fight with HIV leading to AIDS.
During an AIDS condition, the human body displays a wide range of complex symptoms related to the varied range of diseases leading to numerous complications that are extremely difficult to treat. Hence, AIDS is the last/end-stage of an HIV infected individual.
It is for this very reason the HIV tests are mandatory especially when patients require hospitalization or surgery or take longer than normal time to recover or at regular intervals. Fortunately, in 2012, the FDA approved the first drug that prevents HIV transmission. This drug can reduce the risk of HIV by 75%.
Also, there are many government initiatives that help, counsel and assist HIV infected people in living better and fuller lives apart from medications. If the HIV condition is well looked after and managed, people infected with it are known to live longer lives and pursue their jobs, passion and hobbies alike.
The world need not end for a person who gets infected with HIV. It is extremely essential for the person to stay positive and maintain a go-getter attitude. The mental state of the individual determines his will to live and overcome his infected state coupled with regular intake of prescribed medicines and counseling sessions as and when required.
Spread the word. Let’s come together and make a difference.
