Every year on December 1st, World AIDS Day is commemorated to increase awareness of HIV and AIDS, provide support to individuals living with the infection, and honor the memory of those who have perished because of such illnesses. Started in 1988 by the World Health Organization (WHO), it was the first-ever global health day.
The aim of this day is to educate people about HIV prevention, promote testing and treatment, and fight the stigma and discrimination associated with the disease. Each year, World AIDS Day has a special theme that focuses on a key issue related to HIV, encouraging people and communities worldwide to come together and strengthen efforts toward ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
Importance of World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day, observed annually on December 1st, is critical in raising awareness about HIV and AIDS. It serves as a reminder to people all over the world that the fight against HIV is far from over, and that awareness, education, and compassion are still crucial in preventing the disease. The day helps to reduce the stigma and discrimination that people living with HIV frequently face, encouraging everyone to treat them with dignity and compassion. It also emphasizes the importance of early detection, safe practices, and access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in improving the quality of life for those affected.
Beyond awareness, World AIDS Day is a call to action. It brings together governments, health organizations, and communities to reaffirm their commitment to ending the AIDS epidemic. The day provides an opportunity to assess global progress, strengthen healthcare systems, and ensure that no one is left behind in terms of prevention, treatment, and care. Every year, World AIDS Day helps to build hope and reminds the world that with continued effort and compassion, an AIDS-free generation is within reach.
History of World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day is celebrated on 1st December every year. It started in 1988 when the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations (UN) launched it. The objective was to spread awareness about HIV / AIDS, erase misconceptions, and build empathy for people living with HIV. This day reminds people around the world that AIDS is not only a health problem but also a social and humanitarian issue for which everyone should work together.
Over time, World AIDS Day became a global movement, with governments, non-governmental organizations, health institutions, and ordinary people coming together to show solidarity against AIDS. Every year, a new theme is decided on this day, which focuses on the current challenges associated with AIDS. It aims to promote HIV prevention, access to treatment, and the protection of patients' rights to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
World AIDS Day Theme 2025
By choosing the theme “Rethink, Rebuild, and Rise” for both World AIDS Day 2025 and AIDS 2026, the International AIDS Society (IAS) wants to create a single, powerful message that connects everyone working against HIV, from local activists and scientists to governments and global organizations.
Today, the world’s fight against HIV is at a turning point. Years of progress are at risk because of political tensions and a lack of funding. The theme “Rethink. Rebuild. Rise.” is a strong call for action, reminding the global community to stay united, strong, and innovative to overcome these new challenges.
- Rethink means focusing on long-term financial strength by encouraging countries to invest more of their own resources instead of depending only on foreign aid.
- Rebuild means renewing efforts to protect healthcare systems, research freedom, and civil society groups, and ensuring that all decisions are based on real evidence, not misinformation.
- Rise means moving forward with a fully funded, people-centered approach that protects past achievements and pushes us closer to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
How Can We Prevent AIDS?
AIDS prevention starts with stopping the spread of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). This is the virus that causes AIDS. While there is no vaccine or permanent cure yet, simple preventive measures can effectively reduce the risk of infection:
Always use a condom during sexual activity. Avoid multiple sexual partners and get regularly tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Never share needles, syringes, or other injecting equipment. Use only sterilized or disposable ones. Get Tested and Know Your Status. Regular HIV testing helps detect infection early and prevents unknowingly transmitting it to others.
Prevent Mother-to-Child Transmission
HIV-positive pregnant women should take antiretroviral therapy (ART) as prescribed to protect their babies during pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding.
Ensure Safe Blood Transfusions
Always receive blood or blood products from screened and certified sources. Use HIV Prevention Medicines. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) are medications that reduce HIV risk for people at higher exposure.
What are the Treatment Options for AIDS Infections?
While AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) cannot be completely cured, it can be effectively managed with modern medical treatment. The goal of therapy is to control the HIV virus, strengthen the immune system, and prevent or treat infections that occur due to weakened immunity.
Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)
Involves a combination of drugs that suppress HIV replication, helping the immune system recover and stay strong. ART must be taken daily and lifelong, under medical supervision.
Early and consistent ART can stop HIV from progressing to AIDS and help patients live a near-normal lifespan.
Treatment of Opportunistic Infections
AIDS weakens immunity, making patients vulnerable to infections like tuberculosis (TB), pneumonia, candidiasis, and herpes. Specific antibiotics, antifungals, or antiviral drugs are prescribed based on the infection. Vaccinations and preventive medicines may also be given to reduce risk.
Good nutrition, regular monitoring of CD4 counts, and management of coexisting conditions (like hepatitis or anaemia) are essential. Counselling and support groups help patients cope with stress, stigma, and long-term care.
How Do Artemis Hospitals Care for AIDS Patients?
At Artemis Hospitals, care for HIV/AIDS patients goes beyond medical treatment. The hospital offers a multidisciplinary approach, where infectious disease specialists, internal medicine experts, and counsellors work together to ensure each patient receives personalized care.
Advanced diagnostic facilities support timely testing and monitoring, including CD4 counts, viral load testing, and screening for related infections. Artemis provides access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) under strict confidentiality, helping patients maintain a healthy immune system and prevent complications.
The hospital’s pharmacy ensures continuous access to essential medicines, while nutritional guidance and psychological counselling help patients manage both the physical and emotional aspects of living with HIV.
In addition to treatment, Artemis emphasizes preventive education, safe practices, and awareness to reduce the stigma around HIV/AIDS. The hospital’s patient-centric environment, private consultation areas, and 24/7 emergency care ensure safety, comfort, and privacy at every step.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did AIDS start?
AIDS is caused by the HIV virus, which originated from a chimpanzee virus (SIV) in West Central Africa, likely through contact with infected animal blood. It crossed into the human population, probably in the early 20th century, and eventually spread globally.
What is the slogan for AIDS Day?
The global theme or slogan for World AIDS Day (December 1st) changes annually. For 2025, the theme is "Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response."
What are 5 facts about AIDS?
There are a few facts that you should know about AIDS:
- AIDS is the advanced stage of untreated HIV infection, weakening the immune system.
- There is no cure, but Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) allows people with HIV to live long, healthy lives.
- Effective treatment makes the virus undetectable and untransmittable (U=U).
- HIV is spread through specific bodily fluids, mainly via unprotected sex or shared needles.
- PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is highly effective at preventing HIV in negative individuals.
How many types of AIDS exist?
AIDS is a syndrome resulting from infection by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). There are two main types of the virus: HIV-1, which is the primary cause of the global pandemic, and HIV-2, which is less common and mostly found in West Africa.
What are the 4 Cs in AIDS?
The "4 Cs" often refer to key elements in HIV/AIDS prevention and care, particularly in counseling and testing: Counseling (education and support), Condoms (prevention), Contact Tracing (partner notification), and Compliance (adherence to treatment).
Which department at Artemis Hospital specifically manages HIV/AIDS care and treatment?
At Artemis Hospitals, HIV/AIDS care is primarily managed under the Department of Internal Medicine in collaboration with the Infectious Diseases and Immunology teams. These departments handle diagnosis, long-term management, and prevention of infections in immunocompromised patients, including those living with HIV/AIDS.
Does Artemis Hospital offer the full spectrum of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), and are the latest generation of drugs available?
Yes. Artemis Hospitals provides comprehensive ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) as per national and international HIV treatment protocols. The hospital has access to the latest generation ART drugs, including integrase inhibitors and combination therapies, ensuring patients receive advanced and effective treatment with minimal side effects.
Can I get comprehensive care for opportunistic infections (OIs) and co-morbidities like TB, Hepatitis B/C, or cancer linked to HIV at the hospital?
Absolutely. Artemis Hospitals offers integrated care for patients with HIV-related infections and co-existing diseases. Specialized units for Pulmonology (TB care), Gastroenterology (Hepatitis B/C management), and Oncology (HIV-associated cancers) work together to provide holistic and coordinated treatment under one roof.
Are there dedicated HIV specialists or infectious disease consultants with expertise in managing complex or resistant cases?
Yes. The hospital has experienced Infectious Disease consultants and Internal Medicine specialists skilled in managing complex, resistant, or advanced HIV cases. They work alongside pharmacists, counsellors, and laboratory teams to ensure precise monitoring, drug resistance testing, and tailored care for each patient.
