World AIDS Day is observed on December 1st every year. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, commemorating those who have died from the disease, showing support for those living with HIV and highlighting the progress made in HIV prevention, treatment and care.
ACQUIRED Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) remains a global health challenge, but significant progress has been made in the prevention and control of the disease. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an infection that attacks the body’s immune system. AIDS is the most advanced stage of the disease.
According to World Health Organization (WHO), HIV targets the body’s white blood cells, weakening the immune system. This makes it easier to get sick with diseases like tuberculosis, infections and some cancers. HIV is spread from the body fluids of an infected person, including blood, breast milk, semen and vaginal fluids. It is not spread by kisses, hugs or sharing food. It can also spread from a mother to her baby. HIV can be treated and prevented with antiretroviral therapy (ART). Untreated HIV can progress to AIDS, often after many years. The WHO now defines Advanced HIV Disease (AHD) as CD4 cell count less than 200cells/mm3 or WHO stage 3 or 4 in adults and adolescents. All children with HIV younger than 5 years of age are considered to have advanced
As of the latest available data, the global response to HIV/AIDS has shown both achievements and ongoing challenges. According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) 2021 report, approximately 37.7 million people were living with HIV worldwide. In the same year, there were 1.5 million new HIV infections, and 680,000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses.
Behaviours and conditions that put people at greater risk of contracting HIV include: engaging in condomless anal or vaginal sex, having another sexually transmitted infection (STI) such as syphilis, herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhoea and bacterial vaginosis; engaging in harmful use of alcohol and drugs in the context of sexual behaviour; sharing contaminated needles, syringes and other injecting equipment and drug solutions when injecting drugs; receiving unsafe injections, blood transfusions and tissue transplantation and medical procedures that involve unsterile cutting or piercing and experiencing accidental needle stick injuries, including among health workers.
There are several prevention strategies to control AIDS: Education remains a cornerstone of AIDS prevention. Increasing awareness about how HIV is transmitted and promoting safe practices, such as condom use and needle exchange programs, plays a vital role in prevention efforts. Early detection and access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) are crucial in controlling the spread of HIV. Regular testing ensures timely identification of infections, allowing individuals to start treatment early and prevent further transmission.
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) has emerged as a powerful tool in preventing HIV transmission. It involves taking antiretroviral drugs before potential exposure to the virus, significantly reducing the risk of infection. Needle exchange programs for individuals who inject drugs provide a harm reduction approach by offering clean needles and syringes. This not only prevents the spread of HIV but also other blood-borne infections.
We need to expedite the steps in the line to AIDS Control Strategies; ART has transformed HIV/AIDS from a fatal illness to a manageable chronic condition. It suppresses the virus, reduces the viral load, and helps maintain a healthy immune system, preventing the progression to AIDS. Addressing the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS is crucial for encouraging testing and treatment. Stigmatization often hinders individuals from seeking necessary medical care and support. Tailoring interventions to specific populations at higher risk, such as sex workers, men who have sex with men and transgender individuals ensures a more effective control strategy.
International collaboration, led by organizations like UNAIDS, facilitates resource sharing, research and the development of strategies that can be adapted to diverse cultural and socio-economic contexts. While the latest statistics on AIDS indicate progress, the global community must remain vigilant in its efforts to prevent and control HIV. Through education, widespread testing, access to treatment, and the reduction of stigma, the world can continue to make strides toward ending the AIDS epidemic. The ongoing commitment of governments, healthcare professionals and communities is essential to achieving the ambitious targets set by global health organizations and ensuring a future free from the threat of AIDS.”
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Rawalpindi.
Email: drasifrmc@gmail.com
views expressed are writer’s own.
