There are many myths about several diseases which usually cause terrific situations among people. Hence, it is important to have authentic information and this could be the reason that a particular date is usually dedicated to celebrating the events and also to spread awareness among common people. Since its inception in 1988, “World AIDS Day” is one such event that is designated to be celebrated on 1st December every year. Every year a new theme appears in the context of spreading awareness regarding AIDS. In this regard, the theme of 1st December 2023 Day is: “Let Communities Lead”. This World AIDS Day Theme 2023 is a call to action.
The objective of World AIDS Day is to spread awareness about HIV/AIDS through the AIDS Day slogan. HIV full form: Human Immunodeficiency Virus and AIDS full form: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. But before that, it is important to understand what AIDS is as there are many people who are not fully aware of it. Hence, this medical issue is necessary to address as there are many myths circulating regarding it, which usually cause terrific situations, and sometimes people who are suffering from this disease face discrimination. There was a time when people used to think of this disease as untouchable, and sometimes they used to avoid talking about it. But now, people are getting open about it and even spreading awareness among other people. Still, many myths need to be addressed as well as fact-checked.
However, many people are still avoiding contact with or being in touch with the person who is suffering from AIDS, believing this disease to be the transmission of the virus. Though, at some point, it is true that this virus or disease is transmissible, only through the exchange of bodily fluids such as semen, blood, breast milk, or vaginal secretions from patients. Dr. Dilip Gude, a consultant physician at Hyderabad’s Yashoda Hospitals, helped debunk some of these myths. One of the common myths is that HIV gets transmitted via touch, cough, and shaking hands. Though coughing or routine touch does not transmit HIV, it can only be transmitted if the skin has abrasions or ulcerations.
