World AIDS Day
«Equalize»
On the occasion of today's World AIDS Day, the World Health Organization, world governments and citizens are calling on the inequalities that are "holding back" the end of the AIDS epidemic on the planet.
Every year December 1st is dedicated to people living with HIV as well as those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses.
With the motto "equalize", the WHO, as well as the leading international organizations joining forces in the fight against AIDS, this year call on world leaders and citizens to recognize and boldly face the inequalities that hinder progress in ending the pandemic .
They also call for access to basic HIV treatment services for all population groups, especially the most sensitive such as children and special groups most at risk from the AIDS virus.
As the World Health Organization typically reports on the occasion of World AIDS Day, in recent years, progress towards AIDS goals has stalled, resources have shrunk, and millions of people's lives have been lost as a result.
«Division, inequality and disregard for human rights are among the failures that have allowed HIV to become and remain a global health crisis»
HIV Diagnoses in Greece
In Greece, however, the statistics of the EODY (National Public Health Organization) for the ten months of the current year show a decline in new diagnoses, which is considered to be the largest in the last 11 years.
According to what the EODY report states, by October 31, 430 had been declared to the Organization, of which 343 were men and 78 were women.
Some 40 years after the first patients with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome were identified, AIDS is a manageable disease, and the challenge now is for humanity to reach the end of the pandemic.
«40 million lives in about 40 years have been claimed by the virus that causes AIDS»
HIV is the human immunodeficiency virus, which attacks the body's immune system, specifically the white blood cells called CD4.
Without proper treatment it can lead to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome - AIDS.
Diagnosis
HIV infection is diagnosed with a special laboratory test that requires a simple blood draw. The test detects antibodies that the body produces against the virus. The examination for this particular test is strictly covered by medical confidentiality.
The HIV test must be performed by medical-nursing staff or health professionals and announced by a doctor.
HIV-AIDS Ways of Transmission
HIV is not transmitted by physical contact, such as touching or shaking hands, nor by insect bites, and because it cannot survive in water, it is not transmitted by swimming either.
The virus, once someone is infected, is found in different concentrations in human biological fluids from where it can be transmitted.
More specifically, the HIV virus is found in high concentrations:
- In blood.
- In sperm.
- In vaginal secretions.
- In breast milk.
HIV - AIDS Symptoms
HIV - AIDS does not always cause symptoms in everyone. Most people develop symptoms 2 to 4 weeks after infection, which can last from a few days to a few weeks. These are flu-like symptoms and are usually not severe.
However, there are also people who do not show symptoms. The only sure way to know if someone has contracted the AIDS virus is through testing.
HIV Treatment
There is currently no effective treatment or vaccine for people living with or at risk of HIV, but with appropriate care (antiretroviral therapy ART) infection can be controlled and disease progression prevented
People with HIV can live a long healthy life as well as protect their partners.
Today HIV infection is considered a chronic disease as long as the patient receives his treatment systematically.
The 95% Target
The goal for the global community is now 95-95-95-95, that is to reach the diagnosis, treatment, viral status and quality of life of 95% of people living with AIDS.
«If someone gets HIV today, they will be HIV-positive for the rest of their lives»
PrEP Prevention Therapy
The pre-exposure prophylaxis offered by PrEP (Pre Exposure Prophylaxis) therapy has been a game-changer in the social aspect and prevention of HIV. If taken correctly, PreP treatment reduces the risk of contracting HIV by 99%. The treatment, which is essentially an antiretroviral drug, consists of a pill, does not protect against other sexually transmitted diseases, nor does it prevent pregnancy.
