On December 1st, World AIDS Day is celebrated, a crucial occasion to raise public awareness about the importance of prevention, awareness, and support for people living with the HIV virus. Established in 1988 by the World Health Organization (WHO), this day is not only a moment of reflection but also a call to action to combat new infections, reduce stigma, and improve access to treatments.
What is AIDS and how is it transmitted?
AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the advanced stage of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection, a retrovirus that replicates using the enzyme reverse transcriptase, converting its RNA into DNA. HIV primarily targets CD4 lymphocytes, essential cells for the immune response, leading to a gradual weakening of the immune system until it becomes unable to defend against infections and cancers.
HIV infection can remain asymptomatic for years and shows no specific symptoms, only manifesting when opportunistic infections occur. The virus is transmitted exclusively through bodily fluids: blood, semen, vaginal secretions, pre-ejaculatory fluid, and from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. Infection occurs when the virus enters the body of an uninfected person through skin wounds or lesions, starting from the bodily fluids of an infected person not on antiretroviral therapy.
It is important to note that HIV CANNOT be transmitted through normal daily contact with HIV-positive individuals, such as handshakes, hugs, and kisses (except when the HIV-positive person has visible oral mucosal lesions or bleeding, where contact with blood becomes possible).
Stigmatization in the 1980s
When discussing AIDS, the mind inevitably goes back to the 1980s, a time when the world was shaken by news of a mysterious and deadly disease that rapidly led to death. During those years, the lack of clear scientific knowledge fueled the spread of confused theories about the causes of the disease. The most widespread and harmful hypothesis was that AIDS affected exclusively the gay community. This deeply mistaken belief led to the propagation of discriminatory terms such as “gay compromise syndrome”, “gay-related immune deficiency (GRID)”, “gay cancer”, and even “gay plague”. This language, born out of ignorance, generated fear, social stigma, and isolation for people living with HIV, who were often marginalized by even their families and doctors. The fear of transmission through even simple contact intensified the social rejection, leaving deep scars that only years of education, activism, and research have begun to heal.
The current situation: data and progress
According to the most recent data from UNAIDS, in 2022 there were approximately 1.3 million new HIV infections globally, a significant decrease compared to previous decades, thanks to awareness campaigns and preventive interventions. However, over 39 million people are living with HIV, of which 1.7 million are children. Despite progress, nearly 25% of those affected still lack access to antiretroviral drugs (ARVs), which are crucial for controlling the virus and preventing transmission. In sub-Saharan Africa, home to about two-thirds of people living with HIV, access to treatment remains particularly limited due to inadequate healthcare infrastructure, poverty, cultural barriers, and discriminatory laws. In more developed countries, the introduction of combined antiretroviral therapy has transformed HIV into a manageable chronic condition. Additionally, the growing use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) has improved prevention and reduced transmission among high-risk populations, further decreasing new infections. However, the global goal of developing an HIV vaccine remains unmet.
Fighting social stigma
The history of the 1980s serves as a reminder to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past, highlighting the importance of accurate information and an inclusive, supportive society. In these 40 years, enormous progress has been made, both medically and socially, but prejudice still persists when talking about HIV and AIDS. That is why it is essential, through initiatives like World AIDS Day, to combat the stigma surrounding this condition in many parts of the world. Educating, informing, and supporting remain crucial actions to ensure that no one feels excluded or abandoned. The fight against AIDS is not only about medical prevention but also a battle for the values of solidarity, equality, and human rights.
U=U
A key message in the fight against stigma and discrimination towards people living with HIV is the slogan “U=U: Undetectable = Untransmittable”. This principle, supported by robust scientific evidence, shows that a person with HIV on effective antiretroviral therapy, who maintains an undetectable viral load in their blood for at least six months, cannot transmit the virus through sexual contact. Confirmed by internationally recognized studies such as HPTN 052 and PARTNER, this discovery has not only revolutionized the understanding of HIV but has also given people living with the virus the opportunity to live with greater freedom and dignity. “U=U” is a symbol of medical and social progress, shedding light on the path towards a more informed, inclusive society free from prejudice, reminding us that HIV does not define a person but is only a part of their story.
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The contents of this page are for informational purposes only and should in no way replace the advice, diagnosis, or treatment prescribed by your physician. Responses to the same treatment may vary from patient to patient. Always consult your doctor regarding any information related to diagnoses and treatments, and meticulously follow their instructions.
