The World AIDS Day is observed on 1st December every year all over the world.
Key takeaways
It was founded in 1988 by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Theme for 2020: “Global solidarity, resilient HIV services.”
In 2019, 6,90,000 people died from HIV-related causes and 1.7 million people were newly infected, with nearly 62% of these new infections occurring among key populations and their partners.
Important value addition
AIDS is a pandemic disease caused by the infection of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which damages the human immune system.
It is a chronic, potentially life-threatening condition.
By damaging immune system, HIV interferes with the body’s ability to fight infection and disease.
The virus can be transmitted through contact with infected blood, semen or vaginal fluids.
AIDS symptoms include weight loss, fever or night sweats, fatigue and recurrent infections.
No cure exists for AIDS.
Strict adherence to antiretroviral regimens (ARVs) can slow the disease’s progress and prevent secondary infections and complications.
