By Eteteonline
Every year on December 1st since 1988, the world observes World AIDS Day to raise awareness of the AIDS pandemic brought on by the spread of HIV infection and to honor those who have lost their lives to the illness. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the cause of the potentially fatal acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
The World Health Organization (WHO) observes eleven official worldwide public health campaigns, including World AIDS Day. People throughout the world mark the day, frequently with education about AIDS and control, as do government and health officials and non-governmental groups.
Following discussions with numerous local, national, and worldwide organizations active in HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, a specific theme is chosen for the World AIDS Day campaigns. The themes are utilized throughout the year in international initiatives to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS in relation to other significant world events, rather than being restricted to a single day.
HIV is one of the most significant global public health concerns, with millions of people living with the virus and millions dying from the dreaded disease. The death rate from the AIDS epidemic has dramatically dropped as a result of recent improvements in access to antiretroviral therapy in many parts of the world.
An unprecedented financing crisis threatens to undo decades of progress as the globe commemorates World AIDS Day in 2025 with the theme “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response.” HIV prevention services were seriously disrupted when major donors cut and reduced their funding, shocking the global AIDS response.
Despite recent upheavals in the worldwide response to AIDS, much more work remains to be done to meet the SDG aim of eradicating AIDS by 2030. AIDS is still a problem, and in the current climate, a fresh, revolutionary strategy is required to reduce risks and assist us in achieving our goals.
Unprotected sexual contact, blood transfusions, sharing contaminated injecting or tattooing equipment, and using contaminated sharp objects are all ways that the disease is transmitted. During pregnancy, childbirth, and nursing, transmission can also occur between a mother and her child.
The social dynamics of communities and Nigeria have been adversely affected by HIV/AIDS. People, health, and social and economic advancement have all suffered greatly as a result. The rise in HIV/AIDS-related morbidity and mortality among people of working age is one of the main effects.
Nigeria has the second-highest rate of HIV/AIDS infections worldwide, with approximately 190,000 cases reported annually, according to UNICEF. According to the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), there are 1.1 million AIDS orphans and 42,700 AIDS-related deaths in Nigeria per year.
As of 2023, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS estimates that 1,400 new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths occur in Nigeria each week.
HIV/AIDS cannot be cured. However, millions of individuals now have access to testing, care, and medication, including the ability to manage opportunistic infections, making HIV a chronic illness that can be managed. The best way to avoid contracting an infection is still prevention. Safe sexual practices, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases, and the use of syringes, needles, and other injection supplies are all ways to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Nigeria must take action to address the epidemic as the country observes World AIDS Day on December 1. To eradicate AIDS in Nigeria by 2030, the government must give pediatric HIV prevention and treatment top priority. Nigeria has to reaffirm its dedication to a future free of AIDS.
Discrimination and stigma against individuals with HIV/AIDS should stop. Patients should be given better access to care. To ensure viral suppression, people living with HIV/AIDS should overcome self-stigmatization, take their meds as prescribed, and seek medical attention. The government should do more to educate the public about preventing the disease.
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