On the occasion of World AIDS Vaccine Day, let’s spread hope and happiness to our community and society by protecting every single individual from this horrifying disease, which can be life-threatening. This occasion is a new beginning to raise awareness among ourselves about diseases we can have if we don’t have proper knowledge. That’s what World AIDS Vaccine Day is all about, and Smile India Trust, an NGO in India, wishes to spread knowledge among people and save lives.

What is World AIDS Vaccine Day?

World AIDS Vaccine Day, also known as HIV Vaccine Awareness Day, is an annual event observed on the 18th to raise awareness about the ongoing efforts to develop a safe and effective vaccine to prevent HIV/AIDS. This global health observance aims to educate the public about the importance of a vaccine in the fight against HIV/AIDS and to encourage support for ongoing research and development in this area.

Why is World Vaccine Day important?

World AIDS Vaccine Day is an important event as it raises awareness about the significance of developing an effective vaccine for AIDS. this even aims to find a solution to the ongoing challenges faced by individuals and communities affected by HIV/AIDS.

By highlighting the importance of preventing the spread of AIDS through vaccines, it encourages international collaboration among researchers, scientists, and organizations working toward this goal. 

What is AIDS?

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) refers to a group of potentially life-threatening illnesses that affect individuals whose immune system has been severely damaged by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV attacks and weakens the immune system by targeting CD4 cells, which are essential in fighting infections and diseases.

When a person’s CD4 cell count drops significantly, they become more vulnerable to infections, illnesses, and certain cancers, leading to the development of AIDS. Currently, there is no cure for this disease.

What are the causes and models of transmission of the HIV virus that lead to aids?

• The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) primarily spreads through the exchange of certain bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, private organ fluids, and breast milk.
• The most common modes of transmission include protected sexual intercourse (heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual), sharing containers, needles, or syringes, and mothers transmitting it to their children during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
• HIV weakens the immune system, making individuals susceptible to acquired immune deficiency syndromes (AIDS), a collection of potentially life-threatening illnesses.

What are the safety actions we can take to avoid AIDS?

To effectively prevent the transmission and progression of HIV and AIDS. It is crucial to adopt a combination of safety measures and responsible behaviors.

These measures include abstaining from high-risk activities. Consistently using protection during sexual encounters, always using sterilized needles for any medical treatment, and getting regularly tested for HIV.

Additionally, considering pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for those at high risk. Opting for safer alternatives in uncertain situations. And donating blood or other body fluids safely can further minimize the risk of transmission.

People suffering from AIDS worldwide?

• At the end of 2022, an estimated 39.0 million people worldwide were living with HIV. Among adults aged 15–49 years, the estimated percentage was 0.7% (with a range of 0.6%–0.8%). 
• In India. people living with HIV (PLHIV) is estimated to be around 24 lakh. With the highest number of PLHIV in the southern states of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. It is estimated that there were 62.97 thousand new HIV infections in India in 2021.

Smile India Trust’s role in creating a healthy world by raising awareness.

Smile India Trust is a life-saving organization in India that deals with various issues hindering the community. It uplifts people with its never-ending dedication and serves them with kindness.

One of the issues it deals with is AIDS, which is a very common disease worldwide. Without proper knowledge, it can affect people. To prevent such incidents, our organization works towards its precautionary measures to make a society free of AIDS.

Our initiatives in this regard.

• As Smile India Trust, we offer awareness camps aimed at educating people about how to prevent AIDS.
• Our programs target audiences in slums and rural areas. where people don’t have knowledge of such diseases. We aim to teach them about the causes of AIDS and the precautions they can take to avoid it.
• These include not using used needles, practicing safe sex, avoiding unhygienic habits, and more. With our efforts, we hope to combat AIDS, which currently has no cure. 

Conclusion.

On the occasion of World AIDS Vaccine Day. Our Smile India Trust NGO is spreading awareness about AIDS and HIV and how we can fight this incurable disease. We believe that a disease with no cure can actually weaken a country’s strength. . Let’s work together to make this world a better place.

For any kind of guidance or support, you can write us at [email protected]. Visit our website to understand our work in detail. Click on https://smileindiatrust.org/ to learn more about us. Follow us on various social media platforms. We are available on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter