Every year, on 1st December, the world comes together to observe World AIDS Day, a global event aimed at raising awareness, remembering those who have lost their lives to HIV/AIDS, and celebrating the progress made in the fight against this devastating disease. For World AIDS Day 2024, the theme is “Take the Rights Path”, a call to action emphasising the importance of respecting human rights, ensuring equitable access to HIV prevention and treatment, and creating a world free of stigma and discrimination for those living with HIV.
What does “take the rights path” mean?
The theme of World AIDS Day 2024 highlights the essential role that human rights play in the fight against HIV/AIDS. In many parts of the world, individuals affected by HIV face significant challenges due to discrimination, criminalisation, and a lack of access to healthcare. The “rights path” calls for a commitment to equal treatment, healthcare, and social support, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, can live healthy lives free from fear or prejudice.
The theme also stresses the importance of education and informed decisions in preventing HIV transmission. By taking the right steps – whether through education, testing, safe practices, or treatment – we can slow the spread of HIV, reduce stigma, and ensure that people living with HIV can lead fulfilling lives.
The history of World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day was first observed in 1988, following a proposal by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). The observance aimed to bring global attention to the growing HIV epidemic, which was already causing untold suffering around the world. The day serves as an annual reminder of the continuing challenge of HIV/AIDS, and the progress made in research and treatment.
It is a day for solidarity, compassion, and education, offering an opportunity for people from all walks of life to show their support for those living with HIV, to honour those who have passed away from AIDS-related complications, and to acknowledge the ongoing efforts of people and organisations working to end the epidemic.
How HIV and AIDS are contracted
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system, weakening the body’s ability to fight off infections and diseases. It is primarily transmitted through contact with certain body fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. The most common ways people contract HIV include:
- Unprotected sex with an infected person.
- Sharing needles or other drug-injection equipment.
- From mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
- Exposure to contaminated blood (in healthcare settings, for example).
It’s important to note that HIV is not transmitted through casual contact such as hugging, kissing, or sharing food. Education and awareness are key to breaking the stigma surrounding these modes of transmission.
When left untreated, HIV can progress to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), the final stage of HIV infection, where the immune system is severely damaged, and the person becomes vulnerable to infections and cancers. However, with early diagnosis and proper treatment, people living with HIV can manage the virus and live long, healthy lives.
The progress of HIV and AIDS research and treatment
Over the past few decades, the landscape of HIV treatment has changed dramatically. Antiretroviral therapy (ART), which began to gain widespread use in the mid-1990s, has transformed HIV from a fatal disease into a manageable chronic condition. ART works by suppressing the viral load of HIV in the body, allowing the immune system to remain strong and preventing the progression to AIDS.
Today, people living with HIV who adhere to ART can expect to live nearly as long as those who are HIV-negative. This progress is a testament to the resilience of scientists and healthcare professionals, and the millions of people who have advocated for better treatments and a cure. Furthermore, there has been significant advancement in prevention. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), for example, offers an effective way for people at high risk of contracting HIV to protect themselves.
UNAIDS has set an ambitious target to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030, through a combination of treatment, prevention, and advocacy. This goal is possible because of the incredible progress made in research and the continued dedication of global partners.
Why spreading awareness is important
Despite the many advancements in treatment and prevention, HIV/AIDS continues to impact millions of people worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. One of the most critical barriers to eradicating it altogether is stigma. Misconceptions about how HIV is transmitted, fear of discrimination, and criminalisation of key populations all contribute to making it more difficult for individuals to seek testing, treatment, and care.
World AIDS Day provides a vital platform for raising awareness and educating the public about HIV prevention, treatment, and the rights of people living with the virus. It is also an opportunity to encourage people to get tested, to advocate for equitable access to healthcare, and to reduce the stigma that so often surrounds HIV. By promoting a better understanding of the disease, we can help eliminate the prejudice and discrimination that continue to harm those living with HIV.
The role of global organisations
Global health organisations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), UNAIDS, and national bodies like the National AIDS Trust in the UK, play a critical role in guiding the global response to HIV. The WHO provides essential guidelines for HIV treatment and care, including recommending universal access to ART and prioritising prevention and education. Similarly, UNAIDS works with governments, the public, and other partners to accelerate progress toward ending the HIV epidemic by promoting sustainable, rights-based approaches.
The National AIDS Trust advocates for policies and services that support people living with HIV in the UK, ensuring they have access to healthcare, treatment, and social support. These organisations are at the forefront of fighting HIV-related stigma and discrimination, ensuring that every person has the right to live without fear of exclusion.
Working together
As we mark World AIDS Day 2024, the theme “Take the Rights Path” reminds us of the ongoing importance of respecting human rights, ensuring universal access to healthcare, and supporting those living with HIV. While significant strides have been made in the fight against HIV and AIDS, much work remains to be done to eliminate the stigma and ensure that everyone can access the prevention, treatment, and care they need.
On this day, let’s honour the lives of those who have been lost, celebrate the resilience of those living with HIV, and recommit ourselves to the global effort to end HIV and AIDS. By taking the rights path – through education, compassion, and action – we can build a future where AIDS no longer defines people’s lives.
