Every year, on 1st December, Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) joins the world in commemorating World AIDS Day. This International day is dedicated to spreadingawareness amongst people and nations about the Acquired Immune DeficiencySyndrome (AIDS) pandemic caused due to the spread of Human Immunodeficiency Virus(HIV) infection and to support those people globally who are living with HIV as well asremember those who lost their lives to AIDS.
The theme of World AIDS day 2022 is ‘Equalize’. It implies that everyone should unite infighting the inequalities that stop people from getting the life-saving healthcare andsupport they need. This year’s chosen subject is the most recent in a long line of concerns.According to KNH Aids Control Unit (ACU), the inequalities which perpetuate the AIDSpandemic are not inevitable; we can tackle them. This World AIDS Day, the hospital isurging each of us to address the inequalities which are holding back the progress inending AIDS.
In 2021, there were approximately 38.4 million people across the world living with HIV. Outof these, 36.7 million were adults and the remaining 1.7 million were children (less than 15years old). Additionally, 54% were women and girls.
In today’s times, HIV treatment has seen scientific advancements, and legislationguarding those individuals living with HIV is in place. Many out of those living with thedisease experience stigma and discrimination since the public is not aware of therealities of how to protect oneself and others.
In the early stages of HIV/AIDS infection, the symptoms are not quite visible which makepeople avoid getting tested. KNH continues to proactively take the necessary steps tocreate awareness among the public regarding the identification and prevention of HIV.The message still stands; get tested, stop the stigma, say no to new HIV infections