Every year on 1st December, the world comes together to observe World AIDS Day. This important occasion is dedicated to creating global awareness about HIV/AIDS. The event also serves as a moment to honor those who have tragically lost their lives to this disease. World AIDS Day was first observed in 1988, marking a crucial step by the World Health Organisation (WHO) towards tackling this health crisis. Interestingly, the theme for World AIDS Day 2023 is ‘Let communities lead.’
Understanding HIV/AIDS
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is an infection that specifically targets and attacks the body’s immune system. When the virus reaches its most devastating stage, it turns into Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). HIV primarily targets CD4, a type of White Blood Cell (T cells) critical to our immune system. These T cells roam the human body, detecting anomalies and infections in cells. Upon entering the body, HIV multiplies and destroys CD4 cells, severely damaging our immune defenses. Once a person is infected with HIV, it remains permanently in the body. An individual infected with HIV can expect a significant reduction in their CD4 count, potentially lowering it to a harmful 200.
Transmission of HIV
HIV spreads through several methods, primarily by coming into direct contact with body fluids from an HIV-infected individual. These fluids include blood, semen, rectal fluid, vaginal fluid, or breast milk.
Symptoms of HIV/AIDS
When HIV progresses into AIDS, patients may experience unexplained fatigue, fever, sores around their genitals or neck, and pneumonia.
HIV/AIDS Statistics
Global estimates suggest that approximately 39 million people are living with HIV. In India, the figure stands at 2.4 million. In 2022, the world saw 1.3 million new HIV infections, with India contributing to 63,000 of those cases. The same year, AIDS caused approximately 650,000 deaths globally, including 42,000 in India.
India’s Measures to Prevent HIV
Under the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017; both central and state governments are obligated to take proactive measures to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. The Indian government has also made significant strides in making Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) affordable and accessible to over 90% of HIV diagnosed individuals worldwide.
In a bid for increased outreach and reducing social stigma, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in 2019. This collaboration seeks to help victims of drug abuse and Children and People Living with HIV/AIDS.
Project Sunrise, an initiative launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2016, aims at curbing the rising HIV prevalence in north-eastern states in India, especially among people injecting drugs.
Finally, the prescription of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) medications to individuals at high risk of contracting HIV has proven to significantly reduce the chances of infection when taken consistently.
HIV and Tattooing
In the context of diseases transmitted through tattooing, it’s essential to understand that Hepatitis B and HIV-AIDS can technically be transmitted through unsanitary tattooing practices.
