World AIDS Vaccine Day is celebrated on May 18 every year
World AIDS Vaccine Day is observed on May 18 every year to educate people and communities about the importance and need for HIV vaccine to prevent AIDS and HIV infections. The day also recognizes professionals working together on AIDS vaccine development. This day is also known as HIV Vaccine Knowledge Day. World AIDS Vaccine Day was first observed on 18 May 1998.
Currently, there is no vaccine for HIV infections and to treat those who have it. Several studies are still in the process of developing one.
According to the World Health Organization, AIDS has claimed approximately 32 million lives so far and has affected 75 million people worldwide. It is because of these reasons that HIV Vaccine Day or World AIDS Vaccine Day is observed.
The goal of World AIDS Vaccine Awareness Day
There are two primary goals for this day:
1. To honor the doctors, researchers, volunteers and other professionals who work day and night for the development of AIDS vaccines.
2. It also aims to educate people about the importance of vaccine that can help save many lives.
The campaign is led by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
Read also: How AIDS affects our health and how to prevent it
About HIV
HIV targets the immune system and weakens people’s defense systems against infections and certain types of cancer. The virus destroys and impairs the function of immune cells.
Read also: How to get HIV, early symptoms, facts and figures
HIV/AIDS: Transmission and risk factors
Exchange of body fluids such as blood, breast milk, semen and vaginal infections can lead to the transmission of HIV. The infection can be transmitted from mother to her child during pregnancy and childbirth. HIV is not spread through everyday contact such as shaking hands, sharing personal items, food or water.
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