World AIDS Day 2022: History, Significance, And All That You Need To Know

This day also encourages individuals to band together on a global scale to eliminate the inequalities and disparities that impede HIV testing, prevention, and access to care.

World AIDS Day 2022: History, Significance, And All That You Need To Know ( Image Source :Getty )

World AIDS Day is commemorated on December 1 and it brings together people from all around the world to raise awareness about AIDS. This day also encourages individuals to band together on a global scale to eliminate the inequalities and disparities that impede HIV testing, prevention, and access to care. Every year, UN-affiliated organisations, governments, and civil society come together to advocate for campaigns based on specific HIV-related topics.

 World AIDS Day 2022: History

World AIDS Day was first recognised in 1987. The goal of commemorating this day is to stimulate the flow of knowledge on AIDS and HIV among national and local governments, worldwide organisations, and individuals. It was created by two World Health Organization public information officers, James W. Bunn and Thomas Netter, in Geneva, Switzerland. UNAIDS (the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS) has been in charge of planning and advertising the event since 1996. Then on November 30, 2017, President Donald Trump declared December 1 as World AIDS Day.

World AIDS Day 2022: Significance

AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV infection. It is not spread through hugging, sharing meals, kissing, or shaking hands. The interchange of bodily fluids is one of the most common causes. HIV can be transferred by blood, sperm, vaginal fluids, and breast milk, thus protection is essential. Avoiding several sexual partners is one option. The other, and most critical, step is to urge that your partner be tested. HIV infection is more likely in those who have sexually transmitted infections.

World AIDS Day is crucial because it serves as a reminder to the public and the government that HIV/AIDS is a major problem that demands immediate financing, awareness, prejudice eradication, and enhanced educational opportunities.

World AIDS Day 2022: Theme

The theme for the year 2022 is 'Equalize'. WHO is urging global leaders and citizens to recognise and address the inequalities that are impeding progress in ending AIDS, as well as to equalise access to essential HIV services, particularly for children and key populations and their partners - men who have sex with men, transgender people, drug users, sex workers, and people in prisons.