Introduction:
On the occasion of the World AIDS Day, which is observed every year on December 1st, the WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO) has decided to focus this year on the issues of HIV-related stigma and discrimination. It is a national and international event, meant to activate and intensify the AIDS prevention and treatment activities and programs, as well as tackling factors influencing the spread of the disease.
Key Facts:
- The HIV/AIDS is one of the causes that kill people most in the world, as it killed more than 35 million people so far. In 2015, 1,1 million people died from AIDS-related illnesses worldwide.
- According to 2015 statistics, there are 36.7 million people living with HIV, while the new HIV infection amounted to 2.1 people worldwide.
- Sub-Saharan Africa is the most affected region, with 25.6 million people living with HIV in 2015. Also sub-Saharan Africa accounts for two-thirds of the global total of new HIV infections.
- HIV infection is often diagnosed through rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), which detect the presence or absence of HIV antibodies.
- There is no cure for HIV infection so far. However, effective antiretroviral (ARV) drugs can control the virus and help prevent transmission so that people with HIV can enjoy healthy, long and productive lives.
- It is estimated that currently only 54% of people with HIV know their status. In 2014, about 150 million people living with HIV in 129 low- and middle-income countries received HIV testing services.
- Between 2000 and 2015, new HIV infections fell by 35%, AIDS-related deaths fell by 28%.
- By 2030, 21 million AIDS-related deaths and 28 million new infections can be averted.
Objectives:
Underscoring the importance of enhancing the preventive and treatment services for AIDS locally and internationally.
Monitoring the spread of HIV/AIDS at the international level and the availability of the related treatment and protection services.
Setting policies and providing standard and technical guidelines to assist countries to boost intervention in the health sector; in order to combat the HIV/AIDS.
Providing the necessary support to the low-income countries.
Securing drugs, diagnostic tools and other necessary means to combat HIV/AIDS and ensure adequate supply of them.
Inviting all concerned parties at the international level to pay more attention to the global epidemic of HIV/AIDS and to demonstrate greater commitment to fighting it.
Official Date:
Globally: December 1st, 2016
Locally: Rabie‘ Al-Awwal 2nd, 1438H
(Dignity above all)
The National AIDS Control Campaign is launched on December 5th, 2016 under the theme: “Don’t Stay Ignorant”.
Targeted Groups:
- People afflicted with AIDS and carriers of HIV/AIDS.
- Workers in the health sector.
- Health organizations and associations
- Health decision-makers.
- The public.