World AIDS Day is held
on 1 December each year and is an opportunity for people worldwide to
unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living
with HIV and to commemorate people who have died. World AIDS Day was the
first ever global health day and the first one was held in 1988.
Today, many scientific advances have been made in HIV treatment,
there are laws to protect people living with HIV and we understand so
much more about the condition. But despite this, people do not know the
facts about how to protect themselves and others from HIV, and stigma
and discrimination remain a reality for many people living with HIV.
World AIDS Day is important as it reminds the public and Government that
HIV has not gone away – there is still a vital need to raise money,
increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education.
The Nigerian Universities Nursing Students Association (NUNSA)
Uniport Chapter in collaboration with New Partnership for Africa's
Development(NEPAD) and TodayFm 95.1 Portharcourt on the 1st of December
marked the World HIV Day.
The Theme of the Day was: ZERO STIGMATIZATION
In support of the day, a mass rally was organised the Students of the
Department of Nursing around the University of Portharcourt and its
environs.
Free screenings and
counselling were offered to all who attended the rally with Nurses
educating the masses on health issues concerning HIV and AIDS, also with
Instructions on ways to prevent the spread of the deadly disease
including the use of protection and avoiding unsafe sex.
The Event was rounded up with a radio talk show at the studios of
TodayFm 95.1 where all that was done was put in perspective for
listeners and the importance of knowing your status was emphasized.
. International statistics
The number of new HIV infections has declined globally by 21% since the estimated peak of the epidemic in 1997
2.3 million people were newly infected with HIV worldwide in 2012
In some parts of the world (particularly within Sub-Saharan Africa) between 15-28% of the population are living with HIV
. People living with HIV globally
35.3 million people living with HIV worldwide
47% of people living with HIV worldwide are women
1.6 million AIDS-related deaths
. New HIV cases around the globe in 2012
2.3 million people diagnosed with HIV
6,300 new HIV infections a day
260 000 new HIV infections among children
95% are in low- and middle-income countries
All global figures from UNAIDS
DID YOU KNOW?
People who are on effective HIV treatment, with an undetectable viral load for least six months can not pass the virus on.
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