WHAT IS WORLD AIDS DAY?
World AIDS Day takes place on 1 December each year. It’s an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness. Founded in 1988, World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day.
Every year United Nations agencies, governments and civil society join together to campaign around specific themes related to HIV.
• Awareness relating activities take place around the globe.
• Many people wear red ribbon, the universal symbol of awareness of, support for and solidarity with people living with HIV.
• People living with HIV make their voice heard on issues important in their lives.
• Groups of people living with HIV and other civil society organisations involved in the AIDS response mobilize in support of the communities they serve and to raise funds.
• Events highlight the current state of the epidemic.
WORLD AIDS DAY remains as relevant today as its always been, reminding people and governments that HIV has not gone away. There is still a critical need for increased funding for the AIDS response, to increase awareness of the impact of HIV on people's lives, to end stigma and discrimination and to improve the quality of life of people living with HIV.
GLOBAL SOLIDARITY, SHARED RESPONSIBILITY
In 2020, the world's attention has been focused by the COVID-19 pandemic on health and how pandemics affect lives and livelihoods. COVID-19 is showing once again how health is interlinked with other critical issues, such as reducing inequality, human rights, gender equality, social protection and economic growth. With this in mind, this year the theme of World AIDS Day is "Global solidarity, shared responsibility".
COVID-19 has demonstrated that, during a pandemic, no one is safe until everyone is safe. Leaving people behind is not an option if we are to succeed. Eliminating stigma and discrimination, putting people at the centre and grounding our responses in human rights and gender-responsive approaches are key to ending the colliding pandemics of HIV and COVID-19.
However, this crisis has also been a wake-up call, an opportunity to do things differently — better, and together. In many respects, the defeat of AIDS as a public health threat depends on how the world responds to COVID-19.
TESTIMONIES OF PATIENTS
BORIS- go and get tested for HIV
"I know you'll hear this a lot but i can confidenty say that its not the end."
LARA- I'm studying HIV/AIDS management
"If you take your meds HIV will not kill you."
MASIYE- The hardest part was telling my kids.
"I still cry but I don't allow my status to stop me from working towards my goals in life."
KARAN- Let's work together to stop the discrimination.
"I was ashamed to be open about my condition due to fear of embarrassment and humiliation."
ELIZABETH- I'm glad I did not give up on love.
"It was my faith that got me through. I decided this would not ruin me."
MICHAEL- Turn living with HIV into strength.
"Living with HIV undoubtedly has its calm waters and turbulent storms; but it doesn’t define who you are."
Learning that you are HIV-positive can be one of the most difficult experiences you go through in life. You may feel scared, sad or even angry – this is OK, and a completely natural part of coping with something that can be life changing.
But remember, HIV doesn’t have to stop you living a long, happy and fulfilling life. With the right treatment and support, it is possible to live as long as the average person.
There are a lot of misconceptions about what it means to be living with HIV. Ultimately, everyone’s lives are different – how you cope with your diagnosis and how you move forward will be unique.
SUPPORTING SOMEONE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS
There are many things one can do to help and support people diagnosed with HIV. There is a certain stigma about AIDS, people have this mentality regarding this illness, they treat the patients harshly, they don't come near them, don't touch them, don't console them. People still think that it's a communicable disease when it's not. You can always support them, hug them, be with them in every stage and motivate them. Be available to have open, honest conversations with them. Being diagnosed with HIV is life-changing news, so listen to what they want to say. Encourage them to take further treatment. Learn and educate them about the same. Support them with all you can!
"HIV does not make people dangerous to know, so you can shake their hands and give them a hug. Heaven knows they need it."
- Princess Diana
SOURCES: worldaidsday, unitednations, healthline, thedailystar, avert
IMAGE SOURCES: iaspaper
AUTHOR: RAMSHA KITTUR
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