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World AIDS Day – Spread the Awareness

What is World AIDS Day?

World AIDS Day is celebrated every year on the 1^st of December to try and raise awareness about this dreadful disease and how we can help the millions that are already suffering from AIDS. World AIDS Day is also commemorated to help the young people from gaining an insight into the disease and steps to identify and avoid the dangers of the problem. It is also a way for the world to show unity and fight against HIV. Founded in 1988, World AIDS Day was the first ever Global Health Day.

Why is World AIDS Day Important?

The Indian government estimates that about 2.5 million people in India have AIDS. Of the 2.5 million people about 3.5% of all infected are below 15 years of age. They usually contract the disease at birth from their parents. Since AIDS does not have a cure as of yet, AIDS patients are usually living a life without hope. Since 1984 35 million people have died from the disease and many are continuing to die today due to a lack of information and knowledge. AIDS is one of the most destructive pandemics in the history of mankind.

World AIDS Day is important because even though people are aware of the disease called AIDS, they do not have all the necessary information. About 1000 people all across Asia contract the disease every day through some means or the other. People do not know the facts about how to protect themselves and others, and stigma and discrimination remain a reality for many people living with the condition.

World AIDS Day is important because it reminds the public and government that HIV has not gone away – there is still a vital need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education. It also raises awareness about the need for further spending on research to find the cure for AIDS. Technological advancements in Medicine have made the lives of people infected with Aids easier to bear, but the disease itself is still incurable.

How Should You Participate on World AIDS Day?

All over the world millions of people gather at events to spread awareness about AIDS. AIDS Awareness is usually symbolized by wearing a red ribbon on your clothing. You can wear a ribbon like that and help spread the word. You can help by participating in your local AIDS Awareness events. If there is no local AIDS awareness event happening then why don’t you try and host one? You can invite reputed doctors from your area and ask them to talk to students and their parents about the Aids disease. If you would like help in organizing an event then why don’t you get in touch with some trusted hospital in India and see how they can help?

How Do We Continue To Spread Awareness?

Even though World AIDS Day may be just for one day of the year, the awareness of AIDS should be continued to be spread throughout. If you are a parent ensure to talk with your children about the different ways AIDS can be contracted. The idea is not to scare them, but to provide them with all the information. You can also support the victims of AIDS financially by donating to several AIDS organizations across the country.  Alliance India and End AIDS India are two such non-profit organizations that you can donate to. These organizations go to various parts of the country to try and educate the people from the lower strata about the ills of AIDS and how to avoid them. Do your part to help.

Dr Laxmi Shrikhande has chaired the FOGSI HIV committee for 3 years and has done her bit for prevention of mother to child transmission PPTCT, started Asia’s 1^st HIV PEP helpline and still contributing by raising awareness about HIV/AIDS in schools and society. You all can join her in this crusade of fight against this dreaded incurable disease.