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World AIDS Day 2015: �Getting to Zero�

by Amrita Surendranath on November 30, 2015 at 3:26 PM
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AIDS is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Globally, December 1st is marked as the World AIDS Day and the theme has been "Getting to zero" since 2011, aimed at zero new cases, zero intolerance and zero AIDS-related death.


Current Statistics
India

UK

In the current medical scenario where large strides in research are forcing numbers to decline, the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV-positive patients need to be highlighted. Alienation of patients and apathy is extremely high, forcing nations like South Africa to focus the overall theme on zero intolerance and discrimination.

Celebrating The World AIDS Day: The world AIDS day is celebrated to highlight certain key factors which will aid in better control, prevention and treatment strategies. Specifying themes for World AIDS Day helps in,

Why Should a HIV-Positive Person not be Feared?

Initially, when HIV and AIDS were first detected there was little knowledge about the disease and there was no effective medical interventions that could limit symptoms, leading to extreme fear and isolation of the affected individual. Now, with greater medical advancements, there is better care and preventive strategies.

Detailed studies have found that the spread of AIDS is not limited to unprotected sex with multiple partners but could also be due to mother-child transmission, accidental contamination from bodily fluids like blood and breast milk, re-using syringes and via blood transfusions. A person will not be infected by kissing a person with HIV or shaking hands, deeming it unnecessary to stay away from people with AIDS or to avoid complete physical contact.

The Success of the Theme "Getting to Zero" thus far

"Getting to Zero" has rallied a lot of focus on bringing numbers down to zero and tolerance levels to zero. These are the statistics after active control and preventive strategies have been implemented.

Susceptible Population in India

Though every individual is at a risk of exposure, there are certain populations which are at a higher risk and amongst whom there is increased prevalence of HIV infection.

The incidence of HIV amongst sex workers and men who have sex with men has been declining through concerted efforts by the Government, however, HIV cases among transgenders and truck drivers continue to remain still high.

Fast Track Approach to End AIDS Epidemic by 2030

There is an increased urgency to end the AIDS epidemic and a fast track approach is being mobilized by The United Nations to end the suffering of millions across the world. This fast track approach aims at ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030, with India and South Africa increasing efforts, which would mean that no new cases should be reported at the end of 5 years from now.

This approach aims at -

What Are The Current Advancements in HIV/AIDS Treatment?

Lifespan: Current antiretroviral therapy (ART) ensures that the life span of a person infected with AIDS is not reduced in most instances. The HIV load is reduced considerably but susceptibility to other infections like TB still exist.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP): When a person is unaffected, but the risk of exposure is high, then pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medicine that should be consumed every day. PrEP should be used along with other preventive strategies like the use of condoms. The risk of getting HIV is 92% lower for an individual who takes PrEP.

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP): When there has been a possible exposure like for a health worker or after unprotected sex, post-exposure prophylaxis HIV medicine should be consumed within 3 days after exposure to reduce chances of getting AIDS. The use of PEP reduced chances of HIV infection by 81%.

Mother to child transmission: In a study conducted in the UK, it has been found that the use of ART among pregnant mothers reduced the chances of transmitting the infection to their babies to 1%.

AIDS Prevention Measures

There is no AIDS vaccine or a cure for HIV. Therefore, prevention is the only way to stop its spread.

References:

1. https:aidsinfo.nih.gov/education-materials/fact-sheets/20/48/the-basics-of-hiv-prevention

2. http://www.un.org/en/events/aidsday/

3. http://www.gov.za/world-aids-day-1

4. http://www.ocasf.org/world-aids-day.html

5. http://www.unaids.org/en/resources/presscentre/featurestories/2011/november/20111101wadtheme

6. http://www.worldaidsday.org/

7. http://www.avert.org/professionals/hiv-around-world/asia-pacific/india

9. http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM199711203372101

Source: Medindia

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