World AIDS Day is observed every year on December 1st since 1988. It is an international day dedicated to raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, remembering those who have lost their lives to the disease and showing support for people living with HIV/AIDS.

The theme for World AIDS Day 2017 is “Countdown to Zero”, highlighting the global goal of achieving zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths.

HIV/AIDS: A Global Health Crisis

HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system.

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is a condition which develops when an individual’s immune system becomes severely damaged by HIV and they start developing serious illnesses and infections that would not normally occur. HIV/AIDS has been one of the most devastating pandemics in human history, claiming the lives of millions of people worldwide.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are approximately 36.7 million people living with HIV/AIDS globally. In 2016, an estimated 1.8 million people became newly infected with HIV and 1 million people died from AIDS-related illnesses.

The majority of people living with HIV/AIDS are in sub-Saharan Africa, although the epidemic has also affected other regions such as Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Challenges of HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS has posed numerous challenges to public health and healthcare systems worldwide.

One of the main challenges has been the social stigma and discrimination associated with the disease, which has prevented many people from seeking testing, treatment and care. The lack of access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and other essential medicines in low- and middle-income countries has also been a significant obstacle to controlling the epidemic.

Moreover, the issue of drug resistance, particularly in cases of incomplete treatment, has been a growing concern.

Progress in HIV/AIDS

Despite the challenges, significant progress has been made in the fight against HIV/AIDS in recent years. More people are now aware of their HIV status, thanks to increased availability of testing and counselling services.

The scale-up of ART, which started in 2003, has led to widespread access to life-saving treatment and has resulted in a decrease in AIDS-related deaths. According to UNAIDS, 19.5 million people were accessing ART in 2016, up from 7.5 million in 2010. UNAIDS also reports that new HIV infections have declined by 16% since 2010.

Countdown to Zero

World AIDS Day 2017 calls for renewed efforts to achieve the global goal of “Countdown to Zero”. This includes the following targets:.

90% of people living with HIV/AIDS should know their status
90% of people diagnosed with HIV should receive sustained ART
90% of people on ART should have viral suppression

To achieve these targets, it will be crucial to ensure that everyone has access to testing and counselling services, as well as affordable and effective treatment.

This will require political commitment, investment in healthcare systems and partnerships between governments, civil society, the private sector and affected communities.

Taking Action: How You Can Help

As an individual, you can also play a role in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Here are some ways you can get involved:.

Get tested for HIV and encourage your friends, family and partners to do the same
Wear a red ribbon to show your support for people living with HIV/AIDS
Donate to organizations that are working to prevent HIV/AIDS and provide care and support to those affected
Challenge myths and misinformation about HIV/AIDS and combat stigma and discrimination
Get involved in advocacy efforts and raise awareness about the importance of achieving the global goal of “Countdown to Zero”

Every life counts.

On World AIDS Day 2017, let us remember those who have lost their lives to HIV/AIDS, show solidarity with those living with the disease and take action towards a world free of new HIV infections, discrimination and AIDS-related deaths.