Access to quality healthcare for all citizens has been the focus of a recent high-level roundtable organized by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). The meeting took place at the World Economic Forum held in Davos, Switzerland. This roundtable adopted the theme, “Access for all: Leveraging Innovations, Investments and Partnerships for Health”. The main emphasis of the discussion was on ensuring the accessibility of health to all through creative technology solutions and initiatives. It also addressed the need to bridge the economic divide in health access.
About UNAIDS
Initiated in 1996, UNAIDS is leading the worldwide battle to eradicate Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) as a significant public health concern by 2030. This target aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals set forth by the United Nations. UNAIDS is committed to bringing the number of new HIV infections, incidences of discrimination related to AIDS, and the number of AIDS-related deaths to zero. With its principle of leaving no one behind, the organization is working diligently towards achieving this vision.
In 2016, the UN adopted a political declaration on ending AIDS. This important policy aims to completely remove AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
What is Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome?
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) refers to a collection of symptoms or syndrome triggered by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). It’s essential to note that an HIV-infected person will not necessarily develop full-blown AIDS. Over time, a person living with HIV can evolve symptoms of AIDS when their immune system becomes too weak to combat the HIV infection. This stage marks the advanced stage of HIV, leading to death if not appropriately managed and treated.
An individual living with HIV whose CD4 (a type of White Blood Cell called T cells) count drops below 200 per cubic millimetre is diagnosed with AIDS. Multiple factors can influence the progression of HIV to AIDS, including the age of the individual, the body’s defense capabilities against HIV, access to quality healthcare, presence of other infections, genetic resistance to particular HIV strains, and exposure to HIV drug-resistant strains.
Prevention of HIV/AIDS
Preventing HIV/AIDS involves strategies like practicing safe sex, undergoing HIV testing and counselling, and voluntary medical male circumcision among others.
Key Facts about HIV and AIDS
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Year UNAIDS was started | 1996 |
| Target year to end AIDS as a public health threat | 2030 |
| Number of new HIV infections targeted by UNAIDS | Zero |
| AIDS diagnosis | CD4 count falls below 200 per cubic millimetre |
UNAIDS’ Global Reach and Influence
Through its comprehensive global effort, UNAIDS is creating a significant impact in the fight against AIDS. By leveraging innovative technologies, maximizing investments, and forming valuable partnerships in health, it is setting a global standard for tackling this deadly disease.
Source: PIB