World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day commemorates those who have died of AIDS and acknowledges the need for continued commitment to all those affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Why is it important?

World AIDS Day, designated on 1 December every year since 1988, is an international day dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection and mourning those who have died of the disease

The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a life-threatening condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The HIV virus attacks the immune system of the patient and reduces its resistance to other 'diseases'.

Each year, government and health officials, non-governmental organizations, and individuals around the world bring attention to the HIV epidemic, often with education on AIDS prevention and control, in an endeavor to increase HIV awareness and knowledge, speak out against HIV stigma, and call for an increased response to move toward Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S.

Significance

Globally, there are an estimated 38 million people who have the virus. Despite the virus only being identified in 1984, more than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS related illnesses, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.

Today, scientific advances have been made in HIV treatment, there are laws to protect people living with HIV and we understand so much more about the condition. Despite this, many 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.

source: worldaidsday.org

History

World AIDS Day was first conceived in August 1987 by James W. Bunn and Thomas Netter, two public information officers for the Global Programme on AIDS at the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva, Switzerland.

Bunn, a former television broadcast journalist from San Francisco, had recommended the date of 1 December that believing it would maximize coverage of World AIDS Day by western news media, sufficiently long following the US elections but before the Christmas holidays.

source: Wikipedia.org

Recognition by the U.S.

The White House began marking World AIDS Day with the iconic display of a 28 foot (8.5 m) AIDS Ribbon on the building's North Portico in 2007, to symbolize the United States' commitment to combat the world AIDS epidemic through its landmark PEPFAR program (President's Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief).

The White House display, now an annual tradition across four presidential administrations, quickly garnered attention, as it was the banner, sign or symbol to prominently hang from the White House since the Abraham Lincoln administration.

Since 1993, the President of the United States has made an official proclamation for World AIDS Day. On 30 November 2017, President Donald Trump proclaimed World AIDS Day for 1 December

As of 2020, AIDS has killed 36.3 people worldwide, and an estimated 37.7 million people are living with HIV, making it one of the most important global public health issues in recorded history. Thanks to recent improved access to antiretroviral treatment in many regions of the world, the death rate from AIDS epidemic has decreased by 64% since its peak in 2004 (1.9 million in 2004, compared to 680,000 in 2020)

source: Wikipedia.org and cdc.gov

HIV in the world

HIV continues to be a serious health issue for parts of the world. Worldwide, there were about 1.5 million new cases of HIV in 2020.

An estimated 680,000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses in 2020. An estimated 36.3 million people have died from AIDS-related illnesses since the start of the epidemic.

Eastern and Southern Africa is the region most affected by HIV worldwide, and accounts for about 45% of all new HIV infections. Other regions significantly affected by HIV include Asia and the Pacific, Western and Central Africa, Western and Central Europe and North America, and Latin America.

U.S. Data (CDC, 2020)

*Data for 2020 should be interpreted with caution due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on access to HIV testing, care-related services, and case surveillance activities in state and local jurisdictions

Prevalence

At the end of 2019, an estimated 1,189,700 people aged 13 and older had HIV in the United States, including an estimated 158,500 (13%) people whose infections had not been diagnosed.

New diagnoses

In 2020, 30,635 people received an HIV diagnosis in the United States and dependent areas. From 2016 to 2019, HIV diagnoses decreased 8% overall in the US and dependent areas.

Geographic disparities

Most cases occur in metropolitan areas with 500,000 or more people. The South has the highest number of people living with HIV, but if population size is taken into account, the Northeast has the highest rate of people living with HIV.

Diagnose & Treat to Save Lives

HIV treatment improves health outcomes. Death rates among people with HIV decreased by about 37% from 2010 to 2018.

Early diagnosis is the first step in helping people with HIV stay healthy. HHS guidelines recommend beginning treatment immediately after diagnosis to slow the progression of HIV and get the virus under control. Nearly all people in care can have their HIV under control within 6 months of diagnosis. Early diagnosis followed by prompt treatment controls the virus, prevents transmission, and helps people with HIV live long, healthy lives.

source: cdc.gov

The HIV stigma

HIV stigma and discrimination affect the emotional well-being and mental health of people living with HIV. People living with HIV often internalize the stigma they experience and begin to develop a negative self-image. They may fear they will be discriminated against or judged negatively if their HIV status is revealed.

"Internalized stigma" or "self-stigma" happens when a person takes in the negative ideas and stereotypes about people living with HIV and start to apply them to themselves. HIV internalized stigma can lead to feelings of shame, fear of disclosure, isolation, and despair. These feelings can keep people from getting tested and treated for HIV.

"We're standing here in Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love, the birthplace of freedom, where the founding fathers authored the Declaration of Independence, and I don't recall that glorious document saying anything about all straight men are created equal. I believe it says all men are created equal."

- Denzel Washington as Joe Miller (Philadelphia movie, 1993)

What can you do?

Talk About HIV

Talking openly about HIV can help normalize the subject. It also provides opportunities to correct misconceptions and help others learn more about HIV. But be mindful of how you talk about HIV and people living with HIV.

Take Action

We can all help end HIV stigma through our words and actions in our everyday lives. Lead others with your supportive behaviors. Check out these CDC.gov resources for tips on what you can do when you witness stigma. You can also make a pledge to stop HIV stigma by downloading a pledge card to customize and post on your website, blog, and social media channel.