World AIDS Day
Summary and key points can be found at the bottom of the text.
World AIDS Day (December 1st) is an international day dedicated to raise awareness for HIV and AIDS, as well as to remember the lives that were lost.
According to the HIV statistics by WHO, around 39 million people were living with HIV at the end of 2022, of whom 1.5 million are children. More than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS over the past 40 years. This makes it one of the most deadly viruses in history.
What is HIV?
HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is a virus that attacks the immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (a type of white blood cell), which help the immune system fight off infections. If left untreated, it can lead to the disease AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). Unlike some other viruses, the human body cannot get rid of HIV completely, so once someone has HIV, they have it for life.
HIV is transmitted through contact with certain body fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk from a person who has HIV. The most common ways HIV is transmitted include unprotected sexual contact, sharing of needles or syringes, and from an HIV-positive mother to her child during childbirth or breastfeeding.
What is AIDS?
AIDS, or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, is the final stage of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection. Not everyone who has HIV progresses to AIDS. AIDS is diagnosed when the immune system is severely damaged, and the individual becomes vulnerable to opportunistic infections or certain cancers.
Opportunistic infections associated with AIDS can include pneumonia, tuberculosis, certain types of cancers, and severe weight loss. AIDS is a serious medical condition, and without treatment, it can be fatal.
Advances in medical treatment, particularly antiretroviral therapy (ART), have significantly improved the prognosis for individuals living with HIV. With proper and timely medical care, people with HIV can now live long and relatively healthy lives, and the progression to AIDS can be prevented or significantly delayed.
History
Scientists believe that HIV originally came from a virus particular to chimpanzees in West Africa during the 1930s and was transmitted to humans through the transfer of blood during hunting. Over the decades, the virus spread through Africa and to other parts of the world. However, it wasn’t until the early 1980s, when rare types of pneumonia, cancer, and other illnesses were being reported to doctors that the world became aware of HIV and AIDS.
In the US, reporting of unusually high rates of the rare forms of pneumonia and cancer in young gay men began in 1981. The disease was initially called Gay-Related Immune Deficiency (GRID) because it was thought it only affects gay men. Cases were also reported in Injection Drug Users by the end of the year. The name was later changed to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in 1982. When Canada reported the first case of AIDS in March of the same year, it was realized that the infection could be sexually transmitted and caused by HIV. The cases were reported by blood transfusion recipients. The following year it was discovered that women can become infected with AIDS through heterosexual sex. In 1986 it was discovered that HIV can be passed down from mother to child through breastfeeding. On March 19th, 1987 the U.S. The Food & Drug Administration approved the first antiretroviral drug.
Treatment with HIV medicines is called antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART is recommended for everyone with HIV, and people with HIV should start ART as soon as possible. People on ART take a combination of HIV medicines (called an HIV treatment regimen) every day. A person's initial HIV treatment regimen generally includes three HIV medicines from at least two different HIV drug classes.
Antiretroviral Therapy (ART):
• ART involves taking a combination of HIV medicines to control the virus and prevent its progression.
• These medications work by reducing the viral load in the body, allowing the immune system to recover and preventing further damage.
Key Points:
1. Early Treatment: Starting ART as early as possible after an HIV diagnosis is crucial for better long-term outcomes.
2. Adherence: Strict adherence to the prescribed medication schedule is essential for the success of ART.
3. Lifespan and Quality of Life: With proper treatment, many people with HIV can live long and healthy lives. The progression to AIDS can be prevented or significantly delayed.
4. Prevention: Besides treating HIV-positive individuals, some medications, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), are used to prevent HIV transmission in high-risk populations.
It’s important for individuals living with HIV to work closely with healthcare professionals to monitor their health, adjust treatment plans as needed, and address any potential side effects. Regular medical check-ups and adherence to treatment protocols contribute significantly to the overall well-being of those affected by HIV.
The HIV pandemic is most severe in Southern Africa. Over 10% of all people infected with HIV/AIDS reside within the region. Adult HIV commonness exceeds 15% in Eswatini, Botswana, and Lesotho, with South Africa being really close with 14.75%.
Stigmas and misconceptions
While there have been many improvements in managing the virus throughout the years, unfortunately there are still a lot of misconceptions surrounding HIV and AIDS, mostly coming from misinformation or people not understanding how the virus affects the body.
HIV is the same as AIDS
HIV and AIDS are often used together but are not the same. HIV is a virus that weakens the immune system, whereas AIDS is a condition caused by HIV where your immune system is severely weakened. (final stage of HIV) Having HIV doesn’t always lead to AIDS.
You can get HIV by being around people who are HIV positive
You can not get the virus by casually hanging around people or through touch such as hugging, kissing, and shaking hands.
“If you (…) you don’t need to use protection’’
Never skip using protection, such as condoms, even when using medicine for HIV because you are always at risk of contracting other sexually transmitted infections or even a form of HIV called superinfection.
Insects can spread HIV
Insects are not able to spread HIV as they do not re-inject blood when you get bitten.
HIV can be cured
As of today, there is unfortunately no cure for HIV, however, you can treat HIV which reduces the amount of the virus in your body and helps you stay healthy.
Only gay men can get HIV
Despite the fact that rates are higher in gay and bisexual men. Regardless of your age, gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation, anyone can become infected.
Implications of having HIV/AIDS
Living with HIV/AIDS can impact a person’s life in many ways, including physical, mental, and social implications.
HIV attacks a person’s immune system and weakens it, which may result in more infections and diseases. As the virus progresses to AIDS, additional illnesses and infections can occur. HIV can lead to chronic health conditions, such as kidney disease, neurological complications, and certain cancers. It can also affect a person's nervous system and can lead to changes in their behavior. Antiretroviral therapy, commonly used to control HIV, can cause side effects such as nausea.
HIV can impact a person’s mental health. People with HIV sometimes face discrimination, which can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and rejection. Having a chronic illness can cause anxiety and stress, potentially leading to depression or other mental health issues. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, depression is one of the most common mental health conditions that people with HIV face. HIV may also complicate existing mental health conditions.
Lack of awareness may affect whether a person seeks help for their HIV. It's not always easy to access proper healthcare, support groups, and resources due to the strong stigma surrounding HIV. Safe and stigma-free HIV testing, treatment, and information are not always accessible to everyone. There can also be medical costs, such as doctor visits and medications.
Why is it important to spread awareness?
People can live years with HIV without being diagnosed. Delays in diagnosis mean delays in life-extending treatment. People living with undiagnosed HIV have the highest chance of unknowingly transmitting the virus to others. Research shows that talking openly about HIV and AIDS is associated with increased preventative usage, testing, and reduction in stigma. It also provides opportunities to correct misconceptions and help others learn more about HIV and AIDS prevention, testing, and treatment.
Educate yourself
gSm user Superache has worked hard to bring awareness to HIV/AIDS advocacy on goSupermodel, and we would like to uplift her voice in this conversation. If you would like to join the discussion, you can find their pinned thread on World AIDS Day here.
Here are some websites to get educated about this important topic:
HIV Awareness Day: "Remember and Commit"
How to help
Educate yourself and others about HIV/AIDS to reduce stigma and misinformation. Support initiatives that provide accurate information about prevention, testing, and treatment.
Encourage regular HIV testing, as early detection allows for timely medical intervention. Offer a listening ear and emotional support to those living with HIV/AIDS.
Contribute to reputable organizations working on HIV/AIDS research, prevention, and support. Financial donations can make a significant impact on programs and services.
As a sign of support to people affected with HIV/AIDS, we prepared a goCode for you, with items made by JD Mayu, and she explains why this symbol is important today.
The red ribbon is an internationally recognized symbol of HIV/AIDS awareness. Back in 1991, the color red was chosen for its connection to blood and its association with love and passion. Wearing the ribbon today is to raise awareness and to show support for those living with HIV.
The goCode will expire tomorrow, 2nd of December, at 13:00.
In summary:
• Today, December 1st, is World AIDS Awareness Day
• It is one of the most deadly viruses
• HIV attacks the immune system which leads to AIDS
• HIV and AIDS are not the same - HIV is a virus, AIDS is a condition caused by HIV
• HIV spreads through bodily fluids, anyone can become infected - use protection during sexual activity and get tested regularly
• Early treatment is recommended for anyone recently diagnosed
• Delays in diagnosis lead to delays in treatment, so spread awareness to reduce the stigma of getting tested
With love,
The Inclusivity Group.
