World Aids Day is observed on December 1 every year to create awareness about the symptoms, causes and preventives of the pandemic disease HIV/AIDS that has taken unprecedented number of lives. The UNAIDS reports that 34 million people were living with HIV at the end of 2010, and also underlines the significance of shared responsibility in the fight against AIDS. To accelerate efforts and spread alertness about the impact of scientifically proven prevention strategy World AIDS Day is observed globally. Like every year, World AIDS Day 2011 will be celebrated with a new theme ‘Getting Zero’ including a range of interactive activities, campaigns by distributing posters and events that are endorsed by governments, people and organizations. Since its inception in 1988, World AIDS Day is celebrated after the consultation of foremost global health organizations. To mark the event across the globe, HIV/AIDS activists wear a red ribbon which is a symbol of solidarity and support towards the people living with HIV. One of the objectives of World AIDS Day is to create awareness on what is AIDS. AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is a medical condition caused by HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) that sabotages the immune system of a person making it vulnerable to infections including opportunistic infections. HIV can be transmitted in many ways such as sexual transmission without a condom, use of contaminated syringe or drug equipment, blood transfusion from an infected person and from mother to child during giving birth or breast feeding. Awareness camps are held on World AIDS Day to enlighten people about the signs and symptoms of HIV/AIDS. An infected person would look normal in appearance but certain symptoms can be noticed. Study has identified certain signs and symptoms of AIDS that include: unusual mark on the tongue, fever, dry cough, pneumonia, fatigue, nausea, and headache. This disease can be diagnosed when the number of immune system cells (CD4 cells) in the blood of an HIV positive person declines below a normal level. Celebration of World AIDS Day is symbolically a call to enhance social protection mechanism for people with HIV and alert governments in framing unbiased policies for vulnerable population so that they enjoy equal status in the society. UNAIDS and numerous social welfare organization are constantly striving and taking initiatives on AIDS awareness and to reach both urban and rural areas. Till date no breakthrough has been achieved in finding any medication to cure HIV/AIDS. But with the support of World AIDS Day the fight against this deadly disease is still on supporting the people to live a normal life.
Source : The Times Of India
