1st December commemorates World AIDS Day, which was founded in 1988. It gives people across the globe the opportunity to come together to fight against HIV, show solidarity with those living with HIV, as well as to remember those who died. 1988 World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day, yet in 2017, there is still a stigma in society regarding this illness, to the extent that some people refuse to be in the presence of those living with HIV and refusing to touch them in case they catch the disease. As silly as this may sound to you and I, but unfortunately, such people exist who believe the myths and disregard the facts of living with HIV. How can one educate people regarding this illness?
Currently, there are over 100,000 people living with HIV in the UK, and there are an estimated 36.7 million people globally. There have been scientific advances in the treatment for HIV and there are laws to even protect people living with the condition. However, people who are HIV positive are still discriminated, and many people are unaware of how to protect themselves and others from. According to the world Health Organisation (WHO) Europe is the only region across the globe where the number of new HIV infections are rising. Their statistics reveal that over 160,000 people were newly diagnosed with HIV, including over 29,000 new cases in the European Union and European Economic Area (EU/EEA). What is alarming is that half of these cases (51%) were diagnosed in the late stages of the infection.
Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director of Europe shared, “The HIV epidemic continues to rise at an alarming pace in the European Region, mostly in its eastern part, which is home to almost 80% of the 160,000 new HIV diagnoses. This is the highest number of new cases ever recorded in one year. If this trend persists, we will not be able to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal target of ending the HIV epidemic by 2030. Testing people late, particularly those at higher risk of infection, results in late treatment and further contributes to the ongoing spread of HIV. The later people are diagnosed, the more likely they are to develop AIDS, thus leading to more suffering and death. On World AIDS Day, I urge all countries to take action now to reverse the HIV epidemic in Europe.”
According to Avert, the portal that provides knowledge on HIV and AIDS, India has the third largest HIV epidemic in the world due to its large population size. On the other hand, compared to neighbouring countries, India has made commendable progress in reducing the infection by half since 2001. It was reported that new infections in India were 80,000 in 2016, compared to 2005 when there were 150,000 new case.
Speaking to the sister of someone living with HIV, Madhu* shares her insight on her brother's situation. “It's very disheartening at times seeing people treating my brother unfairly. I sometimes see people from my own community who refuse to come in breathing space with him; some don't even shake his hand. But my brother is a fighter. Regardless of their negative behaviour, he keeps positive.”
Education is prime in combatting and de-stigmatising the issue. Young people, as well as those who may not know how you can get infected need to be educated. The lack of knowledge, or the unwillingness to learn about the dangers of the virus can be life threatening. Apart from that, more awareness must be raised regarding AIDS and HIV. It should not be such a hush-hush topic where most people prefer to avoid having any discussion on this matter. Talking, learning, discussing and hearing about people's experience and knowledge will educate you on this matter and help to make you see the facts of the virus, rather than believing in myths.
*Name has been changed to protect their identity.
Myths about HIV
You can get HIV by being around HIV positive people:
MYTH. HIV is transmitted when infected material, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluid and breast milk comes in direct contact with a mucous membrane, such as mouth, anus and vagina; HIV can also be transmitted when injected directly into the bloodstream. Kissing, hugging, sneezing or coughing, sharing food and drink, and touching DOES NOT spread HIV.
HIV leads to death:
MYTH. 30 years ago, due to the lack of knowledge on how it should be treated, many people died. However, treatments are now much better. For people with HIV, taking one pill a day can possibly manage the virus. People with HIV can now live a much longer and healthier life following treatment and medications.
I can tell if someone is HIV positive
MYTH. You cannot tell whether someone is HIV positive by looking at them. There are many times when those suffering from HIV are unaware that they have the virus. Someone's behaviour does not imply whether they have HIV.
