World AIDS Vaccine Day

World AID Vaccine Day is celebrated on May 18 every year to increase awareness about HIV vaccines. The awareness is raised to prevent the spread of HIV infection and AIDS. Hence, the day is popularly known as HIV Vaccine Awareness Day. The day is commemorated to thank the volunteers, health professionals, community members, and scientists who are involved in the creation of the AIDS vaccine. Another goal of this day is to educate communities about the significance of preventive HIV vaccine research. Keep reading to know more about World AIDS Vaccine Day.

History of the World AIDS Vaccine Day

US President Bill Clinton gave a speech on 18th May 1997 emphasizing on the importance of the AIDS vaccine. In his speech, the former president suggested the creation of an effective HIV vaccine to eradicate the AIDS disease. He has appealed to the world to create an AIDS vaccine within the next decade with the help of science and technology. 

Consequently, the first World AID Vaccine Day was observed in 1988. Since then, communities around the world organize activities to raise awareness about this fatal disease. On this day steps are taken to educate the people about the importance of vaccines. HIV is one of the deadliest diseases in the world. Hence, spreading awareness about HIV vaccines is crucial.

Also read: International Day of Happiness 2023

AIDS Vaccine Day Timeline 

The timeline of the AIDS Vaccine Day is as follows:

Date	Description
1920	HIV virus is linked to a virus that is detected in Chimps and begins to spread throughout Kinshasa.
1981	The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (C.D.C.) issues an AIDS report for the 1st time
2019	The WHO reports state that 38.0 million people are living with AIDS
2020	The WHO reports state that 26 million individuals are receiving antiretroviral medication.

What is AIDS?

The full form of AIDS is Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. AIDS affects the immune system of the person by targeting the white blood cells of the human body. As a result, the person who is having AIDS can easily get sick with illnesses such as TB, and cancer.

World AIDS Vaccine Day: AIDS Symptoms 

Below are the main symptoms of AIDS. Do note that the disease can be spread easily in the first few months. However, most people are unaware of it till they get to the later stages. As the infection progresses it causes other symptoms.

Symptoms in the 1st few months	Symptoms when AIDS progresses	Diseases caused when AIDS is left untreated
Fever	Swollen lymph nodes	TB
Rashes	Weight loss	Cryptococcal meningitis
Headache	Fever	Severe bacterial infections
Sore throat	Diarrhoea	Cancer.

World AIDS Vaccine Day: AIDS Causes 

Below are the main causes of AIDS.

• Not using condoms for vaginal or anal sex
• Having STI (sexually transmitted infection). For example,  herpes,  syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, or bacterial vaginosis)
• Using contaminated needles/syringes/injecting equipment. It can also be caused by injecting drug solutions into the body.
• Individuals who engage in the use of alcohol/drugs in terms of sexual behaviour 
• Getting unsafe blood transfusions/tissue transplantation/unsafe injections, or other medical procedures that involve piercing or cutting
• Health workers who experience accidental needle stick injuries 

World AID Vaccine Day: AIDS Treatment

So far no cure has been found for the HIV infection. However, antiretroviral drugs can be used to prevent the virus from replicating in the human body. The current ART or antiretroviral therapy can only help in building a person’s immune system. It does not help in curing the disease but only in fighting other illnesses. A person diagnosed with HIV has to take ART for the rest of their life.

Importance of the AIDS Vaccine 

Getting the AIDS vaccine is extremely important for the following reasons:

• Several volunteers, community people, and health professionals are working to create HIV vaccines. These people can be recognised for their work.
• Make treatment accessible for all, particularly at a time when International AIDS Funding has begun to decline.
• It’s cost-effective. HIV vaccines are cheaper compared to lifetime therapy. Hence, it is important to get the AIDS vaccination.

Also read: World Health Day

How to Observe World AIDS Vaccine Day?

The World AIDS Vaccine Day is observed in the following ways.

• There are several national and international NGOs that are dedicated to combating AIDSs illness. Individuals can donate to these organizations to support the cause.
• Sharing the #WorldAIDSVaccineDay can be helpful in spreading awareness about AIDS Vaccines.
• Another way World AIDS Vaccine Day is observed is by educating the communities. It will help in spreading awareness about the disease and the significance of getting the vaccination to underdeveloped areas and minority groups.
• Individuals who suspect that they might have AIDS need to get tested. This is another way to observe World AIDS Vaccine Day.

Facts about the World AIDS Vaccine Day

Here are some of the facts about the World AIDS Vaccine Day. 

• Most people are unaware that they have AIDS. According to the CDC, 1 in 5 people have AIDS.
• AIDS infect the cells that assist the body in fighting the infection. As a result, the person’s risk of contracting other diseases increases.
• The disease can be spread due to intimate contact with a person who is infected and their bodily fluids.
• Even children are at risk of contracting AIDS. By 2021, more than 3.3 children were affected by the illness 
• At present no vaccine has been created to prevent AIDS. Nevertheless, effort has been made by the scientist to create one.

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FAQs 

World AIDS Vaccine Day is observed every year on May 18th. On this day, the health professionals who are involved in spreading awareness about AIDS vaccines are recognised. Moreover, the day helps to spread awareness about the illness, and the importance of vaccines to the people who are not aware of it. To discover more articles like this one visit the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu.