Dr Ahmed Nawaz

AIDS is a disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that can be managed with antiretroviral therapy (ART) but not cured. It can lead to severe damage to the immune system, making the person vulnerable to opportunistic infections and cancers. AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV infection, and it is diagnosed when the person has a CD4 cell count less than 200 cells/mm3 or has certain life-threatening illnesses.

AIDS can be avoided by preventing HIV transmission and by accessing early diagnosis and treatment for HIV. Some of the ways to prevent HIV transmission are:

• Practicing safe sex by using condoms and lubricants, and getting tested regularly for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Avoiding sharing needles, syringes, or other injecting equipment, and using sterile or new ones if needed.
• Getting male circumcision, which can reduce the risk of acquiring HIV from vaginal sex by about 60%.
• Taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which is a daily pill that can prevent HIV infection in people who are at high risk of exposure.
• Taking post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which is a short course of ART that can prevent HIV infection if taken within 72 hours of a possible exposure.
• Preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV by taking ART during pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding, and by avoiding breastfeeding if possible.

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The significance of the day of World AIDS Day for the awareness of the populations is that it is a global event that aims to raise awareness about the status of the HIV/AIDS pandemic and the challenges and opportunities in the response. It is also a day to commemorate those who have died of AIDS, to celebrate the achievements and progress made in prevention, treatment, and care, and to show solidarity and support for people living with and affected by HIV. Some of the activities and themes of World AIDS Day are:

• Organizing events, campaigns, and activities to educate the public about HIV/AIDS, such as workshops, seminars, exhibitions, concerts, rallies, marches, etc.
• Wearing a red ribbon, which is a symbol of solidarity with people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.
• Advocating for the rights, needs, and dignity of people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS, and for the elimination of stigma, discrimination, and violence against them.
• Mobilizing resources, partnerships, and political commitment to achieve the global targets and commitments on ending AIDS by 2030, such as the 95-95-95 targets, the Fast-Track strategy, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Highlighting the role and contribution of communities in leading and advancing the HIV response, and calling for more support and recognition for their work.

Communities make the difference:

This message highlights the vital role and contribution of communities in the global HIV response, and calls for more recognition, support, and investment for their work. Communities are diverse and include people living with HIV, key populations, women, young people, activists, civil society, health workers, researchers, and others. They have been at the forefront of the HIV response since the beginning, providing care, support, advocacy, and services to those in need. They have also been instrumental in advancing human rights, social justice, and health equity for people affected by HIV. However, communities face many challenges and barriers, such as stigma, discrimination, violence, criminalization, funding gaps, and lack of access to quality health care and prevention tools. Therefore, the message of the day of AIDS urges the world to acknowledge, celebrate, and empower the communities that make the difference in the fight against AIDS.

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