Today is World Aids Day, an opportunity for people to unite in the fight against HIV/Aids, to remember those who have died of the disease and to celebrate accomplishments, such as increased access to treatment and prevention services.
We can fight stigma... But it begins with openness, the courage to speak out
According to UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, “Stigma remains the single most important barrier to public action. It is a main reason why too many people are afraid to see a doctor to determine whether they have the disease, or to seek treatment if so. It helps make Aids the silent killer, because people fear the social disgrace of speaking about it, or taking easily available precautions.”
Today, despite advances in HIV treatment and in laws designed to protect those living with HIV, many people do not know the facts about how to protect themselves and others from HIV or about the stigma and discrimination that remain a reality for many people living with HIV.
World Aids Day is an important reminder to individuals and governments that HIV has not gone away – there is still a vital need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education.
This year’s theme is Getting to Zero. After 30 years of the global fight against HIV/Aids, this year the focus is on achieving three targets: Zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero Aids-related deaths.
Despite increases in the total number of people in the US living with HIV infection in recent years, the annual number of new HIV infections has remained relatively stable. However, new infections continue at far too high of a level, with approximately 50,000 Americans becoming infected with HIV each year.
Worldwide, the rate of new infections, or incidence, has decreased. In 33 countries, the incidence has decreased more than 25 per cent since 2001, including countries in the hardest hit areas of sub-Saharan Africa.
Discrimination against those infected with HIV/Aids includes both the fear of getting the disease and also negative assumptions about people who are infected.
Aids-related stigma has had a profound effect on the epidemic’s course. The WHO cites fear of stigma and discrimination as the main reason why people are reluctant to be tested, to disclose their HIV status or to take antiretroviral drugs. “We can fight stigma. Enlightened laws and policies are key. But it begins with openness, the courage to speak out,” said Mr Ban Ki-Moon.
“Schools should teach respect and understanding. Religious leaders should preach tolerance. The media should condemn prejudice and use its influence to advance social change, from securing legal protections to ensuring access to health care,” he remarked.
More than 25 million people between 1981 and 2007 have died from the virus worldwide, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history. In the US, nearly 594,500 people with Aids in the US have died since the epidemic began.
Ten goals set for 2015
AIDS patients receiving free treatment at the Ying Zhouqu Huangzhuang AIDS treatment centre in east China.◆ Sexual transmission of HIV reduced by half;
◆ Vertical transmission of HIV eliminated and AIDS-related maternal deaths reduced by half;
◆ All new HIV infections prevented among drug-users;
◆ Universal access to antiretroviral therapy for people living with HIV who are eligible for treatment;
◆ TB deaths among people living with HIV reduced by half;
◆ All people living with HIV and households affected by HIV are addressed in all national social protection strategies and have access to essential care and support;
◆ Countries with punitive laws and practices around HIV transmission, sex work, drug use or homosexuality that block effective responses reduced by half;
◆ HIV-related restrictions on entry, stay and residence eliminated in half of the countries that have such restrictions;
◆ HIV-specific needs of women are addressed in at least half of all national HIV responses;
◆ Zero tolerance for gender-based violence.