World AIDS Day is celebrated on December 1 to raise awareness about the disease and encourage people to contribute to the aid of the people suffering from AIDS. The Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome is a potentially life threatening disease. It is caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV and is considered a of taboo in the society.
According to the official website dedicated to the observance, World AIDS Day was the first-ever global health day after being founded in 1988. Those who have lost their lives due to the disease are also remembered on this day.
World AIDS Day 2020: Theme
This year, the theme of World AIDS Day is ‘Global solidarity, shared responsibility’. António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, gave a statement on World AIDS Day 2020 that said: “Health is a human right. Health must be a top investment priority to achieve universal health coverage”.
He urged everyone to recognise that, if one wishes to overcome COVID-19 and end AIDS, “the world must stand in solidarity and share responsibility.”
World AIDS Day: Significance
The virus that causes AIDS spreads through infected blood, semen or vaginal fluids. The most frightening thing about AIDS is that the symptoms can stay hidden for years in some cases so the infected person is unable to fight it in the preliminary stages. Infected people suffer from fragile immune system. Once it advances, AIDS symptoms include weight loss, fever, fatigue and multiple infections. Hence it is important to raise awareness regarding safe sexual practises and taking care of one’s body.
Another taboo hooked with AIDS is the wrong belief that the disease can spread through touch. As no cure for AIDS exists, people are often seen alienating an affected person, thereby necessitating the spread of information about the fatal ailment.
On World AIDS Day, various events are held across the world where people are given free checkups and doubt clearing opportunities from professionals.