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Written by Lydia Ziegler (she/her), 16, staff writer
December 1, 2023
Every year on December 1, we celebrate World AIDS Day to commemorate the lives lost to AIDS and to commemorate the progress made. For example, there are now medications that 1.) prevent the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and 2.) help manage living with HIV, a virus that can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Can be used.
2023 marks the 35th anniversary of the first World AIDS Day. This year's national theme is '35th World AIDS Day: Remember and Commit', a call to action to reflect on the past and commit to the future.
Much remains to be done, and we can all play our part. Community groups, researchers, policymakers, and even teenagers like you and me can help by continuing to talk about HIV prevention and treatment. We must make this public health issue a top priority.
Below are some updates and important information about the current situation.
HIV/AIDS today
It has been more than 40 years since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported the first five cases of what became known as AIDS. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), by the end of 2022, approximately 39 million people will be living with HIV worldwide.
This highlights the importance of global efforts to stop new HIV infections and ensure that everyone living with HIV has access to appropriate treatment, regardless of their ability to pay or where they live.
Testing and Treatment
Approximately 86% of people living with HIV worldwide have been tested and know their HIV status. Testing is an essential step for people living with HIV to receive medical treatment that will help them stay healthy.
There is no cure for HIV, but there are medications called antiretroviral therapy (ART) that reduce the chance of complications in people with HIV. ART can also reduce the amount of virus in the blood (also called viral load) to undetectable levels. Undetectable means that a person's viral load is so low that the virus cannot be transmitted to others. This is known as Undetectable = Unable to Transmit (U = U).
Prevention
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medicine that people at risk for HIV can take to prevent them from getting HIV from sex or drug use (by injection). PrEP is for people who are HIV negative and is very effective in preventing HIV when taken as directed.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can be used if someone has been exposed to HIV. For emergency use, should be taken within 72 hours (3 days) of exposure.
Check out this link for a directory on how to find resources such as testing, PrEP, and PEP.
More people need access
Clearly, scientists and researchers have already made significant advances in treating people with HIV and reducing the spread of the virus. But despite all this progress, not everyone has coverage, can afford to pay for medications, or has access to services like testing and treatment. Ongoing funding is needed to help people afford their medications, clinic visits and tests.
Unfortunately, many people around the world do not have access to resources.
you can lead
Please continue this important discussion on World AIDS Day and throughout the year to make a world without HIV/AIDS a reality. The persistent stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS often creates barriers to open communication between family members, patients and health care providers, or intimate partners.
The 35 Remember and Commit campaign encourages each of us to make a difference. And here you can find global information and see what communities around the world are doing to help people in need.
Educate yourself about how HIV is transmitted and encourage discussions about safe sex within your friend group and intimate relationships.
Honor those who have died from AIDS by wearing a red ribbon and supporting local events on World AIDS Day.
Share information about global and community events, videos or social media that will help educate and celebrate the important HIV/AIDS awareness movement.
Together we can continue to make progress.