2017 World AIDS Day Facts

The first of December is World AIDS Day. The day is commemorated worldwide and is aimed to empower and educate people to give about HIV/AIDS. In addition people are made aware on the proper cure and prevention. AIDS is a type of disease whic caused by the virus of the Human Immunodeficiency. This year’s theme is, ‘Right to health’. The UN’s outline of the theme states, “Everyone, regardless of who they are or where they live, has a right to health.” To commemorate the day below are some facts about World AIDS Day.

1. The World Health Organisation (WHO) will highlight the need for all 36.7 million people living with the condition, to reach the goal of universal health coverage by 2030.

2. HIV is a condition which targets the immune system and weakens individuals immune systems against infections. Therefore the virus leads to the infected individuals to become immunodeficient.

3. According to WHO, 54% of adults and 43% of children living with HIV are currently receiving lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART).

4. 76% pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV.

5. In 2000, just 685 000 people living with HIV had access to antiretroviral therapy. In June 2017, around 20.9 million people had access to the medication.

6. Africa region accounts for almost two thirds of the global total of new HIV infections with 25.6 million people living with HIV in 2016.

7. WHO is aiming to give people with the condition to be able to gain access to safe, effective, quality and affordable medicines.