HIV Vaccine Awareness Day (HVAD) is observed annually on May 18th to recognize and thank all the dedicated individuals working to find a safe and effective preventive HIV vaccine. It is also a day to educate about the importance of preventive HIV vaccine research.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL HIV VACCINE AWARENESS DAY
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) observes National HIV Vaccine Awareness Day to show gratitude to all the medical professionals who are working day and night to find a cure for AIDS and prevent the spread of HIV.
It is a day to reach out to community members, volunteers, scientists, and health professionals who are working hand in hand to find a preventive vaccine for HIV AIDS. Different organizations dedicated to health use this day to promote the importance of HIV vaccine research.
HIV/AIDS is one of the most destructive global health issues to have affected mankind. This infection spreads from an infected person to another through sharing needles, blood, having unprotected sex and from mother to child during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
World AIDS Vaccine Day was celebrated for the first time in May 1998. Currently, there is no cure other than anti-retro viral treatment (ART) which can help in slowing the replication of the virus. The development of a safe and effective vaccine will go a long way in protecting people from getting infected with HIV.
How many people are suffering from HIV?
Globally, around 38 million people are suffering from HIV.
Is it a curable disease?
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) can prevent or reverse the damage to your immune system. Drugs may help in reducing the infection but currently, there is no safe cure for HIV. People living with HIV generally take a combination of medications called highly active antiretroviral therapy or antiretroviral therapy.
Blood pressure measurement and the determination of basic laboratory parameters are part of the screening program in preventive medical checkups. Regular checkups are an important tool for detecting potentially life threatening health issues early before they cause problems.
are some suggestive measures to prevent the spread of infection?
- 1)Timely blood tests.
- 2)Never share needles or other injecting devices to prevent transmission of AIDS virus.
- 3)Use disposable gloves when at risk of direct contact with blood.