New Delhi: Every year, World AIDS Day is observed on December 1 to raise public awareness about Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and inform public about ways and means to stay safe from HIV infection. The theme this year is ‘Ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic: resilience and impact.’
The day assumes more significance this year as the world is already reeling under Covid-19 pandemic and calls for the global solidarity against deadly disease.
WHO has called on global leaders and citizens to come together for global solidarity for ensuring essential HIV services during Covid-19 times.
It said, global HIV epidemic is not over and may be accelerating during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a devastating impact on communities and countries.
6.90 lakh from HIV-related causes, last year
In 2019, there were 38 million people living with HIV infection. In 2019, 6.90 lakh people died from HIV-related causes and 1.7 million people were newly infected.
The day also provides an opportunity for people to unite in the fight against HIV and to show support for those living with HIV. On World AIDS Day 2020, WHO has called upon global leaders and citizens to rally for global solidarity to overcome the challenges posed by COVID-19 on the HIV response.
Since the inception of the National AIDS Control Programme in 1992, India has done a commendable job in raising awareness and bringing down the number of HIV infections. India is a signatory to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and has committed itself to achieving the target of ending the epidemic of AIDS by 2030.
