What is the significance? This day honours professionals or specialists who are working together in the development of a vaccine against AIDS( acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
This day is all about educating people and the different communities about AIDS and how important it is to take a vaccine to prevent AIDS and HIV infection. And this World Aids Vaccine Day is observed every year on the 18th of May. And this day also honours people who are working as professionals in the development of vaccines against AIDS. This day was first observed on May 18, 1998. This day is also known as HIV vaccine knowledge day.
To the fact, Currently, there is no vaccine against HIV infections and to treat it. Multiple research projects and studies are still going on to develop a vaccine against it.
According to the WHO (World Health Organisation), approximately 32 million lives have been affected and 75 million people across the globe have been claimed by AIDS. That is why HIV vaccine day or AIDS vaccine day has been observed so that this disease can be prevented.
So exactly what is HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)?
It is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, and if HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
This virus destroys and impairs the functions of immune cells.
HIV/AIDS: Transmission and Risk Factors
Exchange of body fluids like blood, breast milk, semen, and vaginal infections can lead to the transmission of HIV. The infection can be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy and delivery. We should know that there is a myth that shaking hands or sharing personal objects can also lead to getting HIV, but the fact behind it is that it does not spread through day-to-day contact like shaking hands, sharing personal objects, food, or water.
Two primary goals are behind this day.
1. That people would gain knowledge about HIV or AIDS.
2. That we acknowledge the fact and honour professionals or specialists who are working together in the development of a vaccine against AIDS( acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
This campaign is led by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
Rashmi Rana is pursuing Masters in Journalism – Mass Media. She is a student with a strong communication and content writing skills. Rashmi is currently working as a journalist at The Shining Media.
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