December 1st is World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day is an international observance on December 1st to raise awareness about the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection, and to mourn those who have died of the disease.

AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is a condition caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which attacks the body’s immune system, making it vulnerable to infections and illnesses. AIDS is the advanced stage of HIV infection.

AIDS is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, sharing of contaminated needles or other injecting equipment, from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding, and less commonly through blood transfusions or organ transplants with contaminated blood.

There is stigma around AIDS due to a combination of factors including fear of the unknown, misinformation, and prejudice. In the early days of the AIDS epidemic, the disease was primarily associated with marginalized communities, such as gay men and people who use intravenous drugs, leading to prejudice and discrimination. The lack of understanding about how the disease is transmitted also contributed to the spread of misinformation and fear.

Over time, education and increased awareness about HIV/AIDS have helped to reduce the stigma, but it still persists in many communities today. It is important to recognize that reducing stigma is an ongoing process that requires the efforts of everyone in society. By working together, we can create a more accepting and understanding world for people living with AIDS.