On December 1st we celebrate world aids day! Today we shop support to those living with aids and remember the ones that have lost their lives from AIDS-related illnesses.
Worldwide, an estimated 36.7 million people have the virus and more than 35 million people have died of HIV or aids. This makes the virus one of the most destructive pandemics in history.
Through scientific developed, we now understand so much more about the condition, helping the advancement in the HIV treatment and establishing laws to protect the people living with HIV. Despite this, a lot of people still do not know all the facts about HIV/AIDS, how to protect themselves and others. The stigma and discrimination against HIV/AIDS also remain a reality for many people involved with the condition.
WORLD AIDS DAY reminds us all that a lot of lives are still being affected by HIV/AIDS and that it has not gone away. It is vital that we raise the funds, increase awareness, fight prejudice and amend our education systems, to prevent HIV/AIDS virus, and support the ones affected by HIV.
The WORLD AIDS DAY 2019 theme is “Communities make the difference”. This theme essentially focuses on the importance of recognizing our essential role in our communities and communities continue to play in responding to AIDS/HIV internationally. Communities contribute to the prevention of AIDS/HIV in many different ways. Such as; through leadership and advocacy to ensure the response to the topic remains relevant and the public remains informed. By keeping people at the centre of the campaign, we make sure to leave no one behind. Our communities consist of educators, counsellors, community health workers, HIV/AIDS services, civil society organizations, activists and individuals affected by HIV/AIDS such as gay men, women and youth, people who inject drugs and sex workers.
Advocacy has an important role in ensuring the HIV/AIDS remains on the political agenda, that human rights are respected and that the ones making decisions regarding the topic are held accountable.
Key facts about HIV/AIDS (World Health Organization):
*HIV has claimed more than 32 million lives so far. Increasing access to effective HIV prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care has enabled people living with HIV to lead long and healthy lives.
*Approximately 37.9 million people were living with HIV at the end of 2018.In 2018, 62% of adults and 54% of children living with HIV in low- and middle-income countries were receiving lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART)
*A great majority (82%) of pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV also received ART, which not only protects their health but also ensures the prevention of HIV transmission to their newborns.
*Global targets for 2020 are at risk of being missed unless rapid action is taken.Due to gaps in HIV services, 770 000 people died from HIV-related causes in 2018 and 1.7 million people were newly infected.
*In 2018, for the first time, individuals from key population groups and their sexual partners accounted for over half of all new HIV infections globally (an estimated 54%) in 2018.
*At increased risk of HIV infection are populations such as adolescent girls and young women in southern and eastern Africa and indigenous peoples in some communities.
*Over ⅔ of all people living with HIV live in the WHO African Region (25.7 million).
*HIV can be diagnosed through rapid diagnostic tests that can provide same-day results. There is no cure for HIV infection. However, effective antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) can control the virus and help prevent onward transmission to other people.
*At the end of 2018, an estimated 79% of people living with HIV knew their status. 62% were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) and 53% had achieved suppression of the HIV virus with no risk of infecting others.
*In June 2019, 24.5 million people were accessing antiretroviral therapy.Between 2000 and 2018, new HIV infections fell by 37% and HIV-related deaths fell by 45%, with 13.6 million lives saved due to ART.
World Aids Day 2019 highlights the differences our communities are making to end the HIV epidemic worldwide, while also drawing international attention to the ones in need of our healthcare.
Will you help us in the fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic? Join us by wearing an HIV awareness red ribbon on the day. You can order a red ribbon through our online shop, or pick one up in any MAC Cosmetics store, any branch of RBS, NatWest and Ulster Bank, selected branches of Morrisons, and selected branches of HSBC UK.
Find more information here:
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