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01 December 2021 – World AIDS Day 2021

World AIDS Day takes place on 1 December each year. It’s an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness.

Difference between HIV and Aids?

HIV – is a virus that attacks the immune system, the body’s natural defences against illness. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS.   

The human body can’t get rid of HIV, and no effective HIV cure currently exists. So, once you have HIV, you have it for life, but it can be suppressed by ARV treatment.

 

AIDS:

AIDS is the late stage of HIV infection that occurs when the body’s immune system is badly becoming extremely weak and “gives up” fighting the virus. If left untreated, a set of symptoms and illnesses develops at the final stage of HIV infection. Please note, if HIV is left untreated, a person’s immune system will get weaker and weaker until it can no longer fight off life-threatening infections and diseases. However, with ARV treatment, people living with HIV can enjoy a long and healthy life.

Prevention is better than cure.

Using male (external) condoms or female (internal) condoms during sex is the best way to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Never share needles and syringes with others because the virus can spread through blood.  Mothers can pass the virus from themselves to the unborn child during pregnancy? That is why it is essential to go for regular checkups.

Getting tested is the only way to find out if you have HIV. If you are living with HIV, starting treatment early means you can live a full, healthy and productive life.

Access to Antiretroviral is free in South Africa.

  • In 2020, 73% [56–88%] of all people living with HIV in South Africa were accessing ARV treatment.
    • 74% [57–90%] of adults aged 15 years and older living with HIV had access to treatment, as did 54% [37–69%] of children aged 0–14 years.
    • 79% [61–95%] of female adults aged 15 years and older had access to treatment; however, just 68% [52–83%] of male adults aged 15 years and older had access.
    • 85% [63– >98%] of pregnant women living with HIV had access to antiretroviral medicines to prevent transmission