World AIDS Day is observed every year on December 1, across the world to raise awareness about the HIV/AIDS disease and also remember the individuals, who have lost their lives to this incurable disease. In the World AIDS Day 2023: Definition, History, Theme, & Significance for SSC, Bank, UPSC, & Other Exam article, we will discuss every important aspect of World AIDS Day.
World AIDS Day 2023: Definition
AIDS refers to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), which is caused by the HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) virus. HIV virus is a lentivirus, a sub-classification of the retrovirus. As per some journals, this virus cannot be treated properly, which means if a person gets infected by HIV, then there is no escape from it. In the condition of this disease, the immune system of an individual becomes weak to fight against this deadly disease.
There are several symptoms, which help an individual to know about HIV/AIDS. The symptoms can be similar to the flu and other viral diseases. They are as follows:
HIV/AIDS cannot be cured, but with proper diagnosis, treatment, and support an individual can fight for long against this disease. Doctor-prescribed medicines can be used to stop the multiplying of the virus. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is one of the major treatments for HIV/AIDS.
Use protective techniques
Avoid using contaminated needles
Prevent mother-to-child transmission.
Opt for the set of pre-marital tests before marriage
In 1987, two WHO officers named James W. Bunn and Thomas Netter were working for the Global Programme on AIDS. The idea of World AIDS Day was proposed to Jonathan Mann, who was the director of the Global Program on AIDS. So, the first World AIDS Day was observed in 1988 by the World Health Organization (WHO) with the motto of raising public awareness about Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
The theme of World AIDS Day 2023 is 'Let communities lead', which highlights the importance of communication between infected people.
Year |
Theme |
2022 |
Equalize |
2021 |
End inequalities. End AIDS |
2020 |
Ending the HIV/AIDS Epidemic: Resilience and Impact |
2019 |
Ending the HIV/AIDS Epidemic: Community by Community |
2018 |
Know your Status |
HIV/AIDs can be transmitted through blood, semen, rectal fluid, vaginal fluid, or breast milk.
1. Why is World Observed AIDS Day on December 1?
Ans: A former television broadcast journalist from San Francisco, Bunn recommended December 1, believing that would maximize coverage by Western news media on World AIDS Day.
2. What is the theme of the World AIDS Day 2023?
Ans: The theme of World AIDS Day 2023 is 'Let communities lead', which highlights the importance of communication between infected people.
3. What are the major precautions for HIV/AIDS?
Ans: The major precautions for HIV/AIDS are as follows:
Use protective techniques
Avoid using contaminated needles
Prevent mother-to-child transmission.
Opt for the set of pre-marital tests before marriage
4. The first World AIDS Day is observed in which year?
Ans: The first World AIDS Day was observed in 1988.
5. What is the full form of AIDS?
Ans: AIDS refers to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), which is caused by the HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) virus.
6. What is the significance of World AIDS Day?
Ans: The importance of World AIDS Day is to create awareness among people against the spread of HIV infection.