World AIDS Day 2022: Know history, theme, significance and facts

World AIDS Day 2022: World AIDS Day is observed every year on December 1. The day raises awareness and encourages progress in HIV ( Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection)and AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) prevention, treatment and care around the world. HIV remains a global health crisis that affects millions of people worldwide, having claimed 40.1 million (33.6–48.6 million) lives so far as per WHO's (World Health Organization) official website.

World AIDS Day 2022 Theme

The theme of World AIDS Day this year is 'Equalize'.

The theme calls on global leaders and citizens to boldly recognize and address the inequalities which are holding back progress in ending AIDS and equalize access to essential HIV services, the WHO website said.

Particularly for children and key populations and their partners - men who have sex with men, transgender people, people who use drugs, sex workers, and people in prisons, the WHO website added.

World AIDS Day significance

The day marks an opportunity for people across the world to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV and to know about the status of the pandemic.  

The day is an opportunity also commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness.

World AIDS Day History

World AIDS Day was established by WHO in 1988.

Each year, organizations and individuals endeavor to increase HIV and AIDS awareness and knowledge, speak out against AIDS stigma, and call for an increased response to move toward ending the AIDS Epidemic.

World AIDS Day Facts

-The most advanced stage of HIV infection is AIDS, which can take many years to develop if not treated and depends on the respective individual.

-HIV infection has no cure.

-HIV symptoms vary depending on the stage of infection.

-As per the WHO website, there were an estimated 38.4 million (33.9–43.8 million) people living with HIV at the end of 2021, two-thirds of whom (25.6 million) are in the WHO African Region.

-In 2021, 650 000 (510 000–860 000) people died from HIV-related causes and 1.5 million (1.1–2.0 million) people acquired HIV, the WHO website reads.

(with WHO inputs) 

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