Dec 1 is universally observed as World Aids Day. Every year, the World Health Organisation (WHO) undertakes a new theme to follow the goal of elimination of this disease around the globe. Similarly. In 2024, WHO have undertaken the theme of ‘Take the rights path: My health, my right’ for World Aids Day 2024. Let’s see what steps are taken for the betterment of this problem until 2030.
Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right!
WHO calls on global leaders and citizens to champion the right to health. And, to commemorate World Aids Day 2024. This year’s theme is all about ensuring the presence and practice of health equality. This also includes the people living with HIV or AIDS have access to health care benefits everywhere. Every year 1st December is observed as a World Aids Day.
The main messages of World Aids Day 2024 are as follows.
- Health is a human right
- Prevention empowers and protects
- Address stigma and discrimination
- Prioritise and reach vulnerable and key populations
- Champion access to life-saving treatments to attain HIV viral suppression
- Move towards the aids-free future
These are some of the main messages which are a part of World Aids Day 2024 by WHO. In a nutshell. Everyone should have access to the health service, which should not exclude patients with HIV. In addition, protection is only ensured by the prevention of unhealthy and unsafe practices.
Furthermore, it is a reality that we cannot exclude a hundred per cent of people from HIV. However, we must approach the population more prone, or at stake for awareness to stay safe. Or to ensure their recovery or treatment if affected and diagnosed or affected and undiagnosed.
AIDS in Facts & Figures
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) advances to a syndrome known as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The signs, symptoms, transmission matters and other details can be read in the previous blogs at PGC.
In 2023, out of people with HIV, 86 per cent were aware of their status, 77 per cent were on antiretroviral therapy, and 72 per cent had suppressed viral roles.
2023 saw an estimated death toll of around 630000 people from HIV-related causes. In addition, 1.3 million people acquiring HIV.
HIV still is a major health issue worldwide. By now, it has claimed 42.3 million lives.
By 2025, the goal is for 95% of individuals living with HIV to be diagnosed, 95% of those diagnosed to be receiving lifesaving antiretroviral treatment, and 95% of those on treatment to achieve a suppressed viral load, both to improve their health and reduce the transmission of HIV. In 2023, the respective figures were 86%, 89%, and 93%.
Role of WHO in Combating HIV/AIDS
The Global Health Sector Strategies on HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and Sexually Transmitted Infections for 2022–2030 (GHSSs) provide a roadmap for strategic actions aimed at ending AIDS, viral hepatitis B and C, and sexually transmitted infections by 2030.
The WHO’s Global HIV, Hepatitis, and STIs Programmes advocate for both shared and disease-specific actions at the country level, with support from WHO and its partners. These strategies take into account epidemiological, technological, and contextual changes in recent years, promote learning, and create opportunities to harness innovation and new knowledge.
WHO’s programmes emphasize reaching populations most affected and at the highest risk for each disease, while addressing health inequities. Through a framework of universal health coverage and primary health care, these programmes contribute to achieving the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
HIV in Pakistan
The first case of HIV in Pakistan was reported back in 1987 due to an unsafe blood transfusion. The country also has a few of the locally infectious cases of HIV in the last couple of decades. However, in the region of Asia-Pacific, Pakistan has the second fastest rate of AIDS breakdown.
As per the statistics of the National Aids Control Programme in Pakistan, the number of registered patients with HIV is 53718. Out of it, 32972 patients are on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the listed 51 centres.
How HIV is Perceived in Pakistan?
HIV/AIDS is a disease that is treated as a Taboo in the country. Though prevention is the only cure yet, Pakistani society feels extremely uneasy while talking about HIV or AIDS. However, for the sake of prevention, a better understanding is essential. In addition, there is a statutory requirement to update the laboratories, equipment, and procedures for testing. Also, to maintain cleanliness across the medical procedures is necessary.
Conclusion
On this World Aids Day 2024, please understand that prevention is the only cure for HIV or AIDS. It is essential to live a clean, and peaceful life in personal, inter and intra-relationships. Be mindful while undergoing blood transmissions or transfusions. Also, it is important to spread awareness about this disease to the youth for safer generations. Furthermore, it is important to practice the main messages of HIV from the World Health Organisation (2024).