Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic, potentially life-threatening health condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that interferes with the body’s ability to fight infections. December 1 is celebrated as World AIDS Day annually across the globe to spread awareness about the disease and remember all those who lost their lives to it. In this article you will learn about the day and its significance.
As UPSC surprises aspirants with questions linked with what usually is assumed to be trivia; it is advisable that one must scroll through the facts about World AIDS Day to get the basic information. The topic, if at all asked in the UPSC Prelims, will form the part of the current affairs.
Facts about World AIDS Day for UPSC Exam
Read the below-mentioned facts about World AIDS Day; and aid your IAS Exam preparation along with other competitive exams’ preparation.
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Observed on |
1 December |
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Theme Of 2021 |
End inequalities. End AIDS |
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Facts about AIDS |
As per WHO
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The topic can be asked as a Current Affairs Question in IAS Prelims. Visit the attached link to attempt practice quizzes on current affairs.
To read more about the other Important International and National days click on the link. Such days and events become very important for UPSC Prelims.
About World AIDS Day
- World AIDS Day was first observed in 1988 and ever since it is celebrated every year. The day is observed to create awareness among people against the spread of HIV infection and also it gives an opportunity to unite in the fight against HIV to show their support for the ones living with HIV.
- The day is used to remember those who have died due to HIV-related illnesses. World AIDS Day is one of the 11 official Global Public Health campaigns of the World Health Organisation(WHO).
- The theme of World AIDS Day 2021 was “End inequalities. End AIDS“. The significance of the theme is that it specially focuses on reaching people who are left behind. With the theme WHO and its partners underscored the growing inequalities in access to essential HIV services.
History of World AIDS Day
- This day was conceived by James W. Bunn and Thomas Netter, in 1987, two officers who worked for the World Health Organisation in the Global Programme on AIDS.
- They proposed this idea of observing World AIDS Day to the director of the Global Programme on AIDS, Jonathan Mann, who recommended the commencement of the World AIDS Day on 1 December, 1988.
- Later in 1996 the United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS , abbreviated to UNAIDS came into existence.
Significance of World AIDS Day
- WHO is encouraging global leaders and citizens to do their best to decrease the inequalities that drive AIDS and to reach people who are currently not receiving essential HIV services.
- The objective of the day is to remind the public and government that HIV is still prevalent and there is still a vital need to increase awareness, fight prejudice, raise money and improve education about the virus and the disease.
About HIV and AIDS
- AIDS is a chronic and a potentially life-threatening health condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) which damages the human immune system.
- HIV attacks White Blood Cell (T cells) in the body’s immune system. After entering the body, HIV multiplies itself and destroys these white cells, hence severely damaging the human immune system. Once this virus enters the body, it can never be removed.
Read in detail about HIV and AIDS in the linked article.
Note: As UPSC 2022 approaches, use BYJU’S free Daily Video Analysis of The Hindu Newspaper to augment your preparation.
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