aids awareness programme essay

National HIV Awareness Days

The power of partnership is in many voices singing one song. When we raise our voices as one, we can increase awareness of HIV prevention and treatment. Learn more about HIV awareness days by clicking on the images below and help us make a difference. If you are interested in additional partnership opportunities, contact us at [email protected] today.

Help us raise awareness all year long.

CDC’s Role in HIV Prevention

Save Lives – Embed our HIV Service Locators .

• HIV by Group
• HIV Risk and Prevention
• HIV Nexus: Resources for Clinicians
• HIV Public Health Partners
• HIV Resource Library
• HIV Statistics Center
• About the Division of HIV Prevention
• VIH en Español
• @StopHIVTogether
• Get Email Updates
• Send Feedback

Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
• Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
• You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
• CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.

Talk to our experts

1800-120-456-456

• Essay on AIDS

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is an infection that causes cells in the body that help it fight infections, making a person more susceptible to other infections and diseases. Interaction with certain bodily secretions of an HIV-positive individual, most commonly during unprotected intercourse (sex without the use of a condom or HIV treatment to prevent or treat HIV), or sharing injection drug equipment spreads the virus.

If HIV is not treated, it can progress to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). HIV cannot be eradicated by the human body, and there is no effective HIV cure. As a result, whether you have HIV, you will have it for the rest of your life.

Long and Short AIDS Essay in English

There are many diseases causing microorganisms, like bacteria, viruses, fungi etc. The symptoms of the diseases depend on the type of microorganism that is spreading it. It can vary from mild to severe. AIDS which stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome is a viral disease that is rampant in growth. It was only in the last century that this viral disease has proved to be lethal and fatal, taking away about twenty million lives globally. The awareness about the disease and the virus causing it which is HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus is more now compared to earlier. In this HIV AIDS essay, we can go through the important information about it and burst some myths.

Below are different ways to write an AIDS essay in English. The essay on HIV AIDS can be of 2 formats, a long essay on HIV AIDS or a short AIDS essay.

Short Essay on Aids

This AIDS essay is a brief one and will cover the important notes about the disease and the ways one can prevent it.

The way of occurrence of this disease is in the name itself, AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. The disease is acquired via the virus which is called Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is not an auto-immune disease in the early stages of infection where the immune system in the body fights off infection to protect the body from diseases that go against itself. The virus enters from an outside source and destroys the efficiency of our immune system.

AIDS is transmitted through contact. The contact with infected blood of the HIV OR AIDS patient in any form can easily transfer this viral disease. It can also be transmitted through contact with semen or vaginal fluids of the infected person. This occurs in the case when one is sexually exposed to a person with HIV.

HIV once enters the body, invades and conquers the immune system making the body susceptible to other diseases. It is then very easy for the simple flu or cold infection to be severe as the immune system is no longer fit to fight it.

When detected in the early period can be battled with, but more often than not people assume the symptoms to not be AIDS so it spreads and kills the individual. To be protected when having sex and not sharing any form of toiletries with others is the way to prevent and keep this deadly virus at bay.

Long Essay on AIDS

This is the long format of an essay on HIV AIDS where its workings, causes and effects and remedies are discussed.

There are some diseases that have been borne by the living in this world which has created a ruckus in human history and the struggle to find a permanent cure still exists. AIDS is one such disease. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome is the name of the disease which is also shortened as AIDS.

It has since only the 20 th century affected the human race and many people lost their lives, more than 20 million of them. The virus that aids in the transmission of this disease is Human Immunodeficiency Virus or also called HIV. Due to the same property of immunodeficiency, it is referred to as HIV/AIDS.

Since it affects the immune system severely, the cells and the workings of it in our body must be clearly understood. The immune system’s role in the body is that of a soldier wherein it identifies any sort of anomalies that enters or infiltrates the body and prepares antibodies against it. And kills them in order to prevent infection that has the probability of causing a harmful disease.

Since the cells of the immune system have already created the antibodies, the cell memory is activated when the entry occurs again and the immune system fights and destroys such foreign and harmful matter.

What Happens when HIV Enters the Body?

When a person is infected with the Human immunodeficiency virus, it directly attacks the immune system making the cells weak and incapable of creating antibodies for this particular virus. As they become weak their function to perform the task of defending against other microorganism entrants is also weakened.

When the fighter in our bodies becomes weak, we are more likely to fall ill. The illness can be a simple flu or an allergy and our body cannot fight any further. The symptoms once infected will start to appear within the first two weeks. The symptoms are very flu-like for instance, one will be more tired than usual and fatigue will be more frequent and regular. Other symptoms include sore throat and fever. The risk of opportunistic infections like tuberculosis and herpes also increases. Some people however remain asymptomatic even for longer periods after being infected with the virus.

Cause of HIV/AIDS

The main and only cause of this dreadful disease is the contact through blood, semen, pre-seminal fluid, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids and breast milk. The semen and vaginal fluids are transferred through sex and rectal fluids through anal sex. When people have multiple partners, and they have unprotected sex the transmission is highly likely. The contact through blood can also be via the unhygienic practice of sharing an infected person’s razors, blades. Even unsterilized syringes while taking drugs or even a tattoo parlor where they use unsterilized machines on the body can transmit the virus easily. The transmission means are endless so one must proceed with utmost caution to keep themselves safe either way.

What is the Life Expectancy for the Patients Carrying HIV or AIDs with Them?

Many factors can affect the life expectancy of people living with HIV. Depending on these factors there are many differences in the outcomes between people, and other factors. The factors on which life expectancy depend are:

Access to effective HIV treatment and quality health care.

Start HIV treatment as soon as possible after HIV infection, before your CD4 cell count drops to a low level. The sooner you are diagnosed and start HIV treatment, the better your long-term chances are.

Having serious HIV-related illnesses in the past. This may occur before HIV is diagnosed and/or before HIV treatment is started. These diseases have a detrimental effect on life expectancy.

Results one year after starting HIV treatment. Studies show that life expectancy is better for people who respond well within a year of starting treatment than people who do not respond. In particular, people with a CD4 count of at least 350 and an undetectable viral load during the year have a much better chance long-term.

Year of Diagnosis - HIV treatment and medical care have improved over the years. People who have been diagnosed in recent years are expected to live longer than people who were diagnosed long ago.

Heart diseases, liver diseases, cancer and other health conditions are more likely to be the cause of death than HIV or AIDs.

Injecting drug use - Life expectancy is short for people with HIV who inject drugs, due to drug overdose and viral infections.

Social and Economic Conditions - there are significant differences in life expectancy depending on where you grew up, your income, education, social status and more.

Gender – Men are supposed to live for a shorter period of time than women.

Genetics - you may have certain conditions if close relatives have.

Mental and Emotional Well-being - high levels of stress are associated with reduced life expectancy.

Lifestyle - longevity for people who eat a balanced diet, are physically active, maintain a healthy weight, avoid alcohol abuse or use drugs, and stay in touch with the community. Avoiding smoking is very important in life.

There are a few myths surrounding this disease. It is believed earlier that AIDS can spread even through contact or touch without any exchange of fluids. Like through a hug or just by being near the infected person. That myth has been debunked and it is absolutely untrue. One can freely hug an AIDS patient without worry.

The other one was when kissing, there is an exchange of saliva which is also a fluid and AIDS can spread through kissing, which also proved to be untrue. And HIV always means AIDS that is fatal was another rumor or myth, and this myth is proven wrong where many people have lived longer with HIV by medication and taking care of their health.

There is no permanent cure yet for treating HIV/AIDS, so it is our responsibility to look out for ourselves. The way one can first prevent themselves from being infected is by getting vaccinated. It is important to get tested in your adult life if you have multiple sexual partners and also get your partner tested for the same. The other way is being monogamous. The most used form of prevention is having protected and safe sex and using condoms that creates a barrier for transmission. Do check for sterilized needles in case you decide to get a tattoo or injected.  Lessen the use of alcohol and drugs as that is anyway weakening and altering the immune system.

According to the estimates of the Indian government  2.40 million Indians are living with HIV wherein, the infected ones fall in the age group of 15-49, and 39 %of them that is 9,30,00 of them are women. The numbers are alarming and the rate of increase is not slowing down anytime soon. We as a country must break the traditions and conversations about sex should be open and safe. It is high time we lose our lives to this disease which can be prevented.

FAQs on Essay on AIDS

1. Is AIDS an Autoimmune Disease?

In the early stages of HIV infection that leads to AIDS, the immune system only weakens so it is not an auto-immune disease. But during the later and final stages, the workings of the immune system are similar to that of an auto-immune system where it works against itself. And in such cases, the body of the individual is susceptible to many more diseases. AIDS, a disease found in immune deficiency disorder, is caused by HIV and weakens the human immune system. Autoimmune diseases, on the other hand, are where the immune system turns, attacking healthy cells.

2. Does one die from HIV Infection?

The HIV infection results in many symptoms that make the body weaker day by day. But some do not even suffer those symptoms and they may live longer than the ones showing severe symptoms. In any case, it is important to take medications that are prescribed to reduce the severity of symptoms and live a little longer. The best way is to keep healthy and lead an active lifestyle as much as possible. Although the death toll from AIDS has dropped dramatically around the world, this situation increases the risk of contracting a fatal disease — potentially leading to death. No treatment or cure is present for HIV.

3. What method was adopted by the hospitals to report HIV or AIDs cases?

The doctors took the active initiative for the reporting and diagnosis of HIV or AIDs cases all over the world. The methods that all the French hospital wards were known for, for their role in controlling HIV infection, were asked to report the 2000 deaths among HIV-positive adults. The causes of death were recorded using a standard questionnaire. The Mortality 2000 study was launched to explain the distribution of the leading causes of death of HIV-positive people at the national level in France in the year 2000.

4. What is the way of determining the root cause of death in AIDs patients?

Following the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) to death, the information contained in the questionnaire was used to determine the single cause of death. The causes of AIDS were categorized as one cause of death, followed by definitions of AIDS-related diseases. If a standard questionnaire was lost, summarized quarter notices were used to determine the underlying cause of death, if possible. Determination of the AIDs cases was set to the most important things in the list, which was done from the abstracted quarterly notifications from the questionnaires.

5. Is Vedantu a reliable website for knowing about AIDs disease?

Vedantu is the most reliable website for referring to information about AIDs disease. Being one of the most dangerous diseases in the world with no proper treatment or cure, the world's physicians are still under pressure to decipher the way to save a person from this disease. The Vedantu website contains authentic or updated information about this disease and thus the readers and viewers can rely on this source of information for perfect knowledge about the disease and its prevention also.

HIV/AIDS Definition, Prevention and Treatment Essay

HIV is the short form of human immunodeficiency virus. When the person is infected with HIV, it is more likely that the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) will develop. HIV is a terrible condition because it cannot be cured. Once one has HIV, he or she will have to live with it for the rest of life. The virus infects T cells or CD4 cells. These cells are essential for the efficient functioning of the human immune system.

HIV destroys these cells and makes the human body vulnerable to various kinds of diseases. An infected individual can live up to ten years until HIV develops into AIDS. When the final stage occurs, the human immune system is too weak to resist even the slightest illnesses. As a result, one can die of the usual disease. The most common way of HIV/AIDS transition is the unprotected sexual contact. There is no cure for HIV. However, particular medicines can prolong the life of infected people ( HIV Basics n.d.).

Nowadays, AIDS is regarded as the most urgent issue on the global level. The number of HIV-infected people is immense in South Africa. The virus is the public health threat. For instance, more than thirteen thousand residents died of AIDS in the U.S. in 2012. More than one million people died of AIDS in the world in 2014 ( Basic Statistics n.d.). These rates prove the fact that HIV is the plague of the twenty-first century. Public health safety should be of primary concern.

HIV and AIDS rapid distribution resulted in million deaths of people. This epidemic also has changed the society drastically. The statistics showed that HIV was more often diagnosed in men who had sex with men. Due to this fact, people all over the world became extremely prejudiced against homosexual communities. Almost eighty countries in the world consider homosexuality illegal. Individuals who display the belonging to some of the GLBT communities can be even punished. Fowler (2014) writes that in some countries being a gay is like being a Jew in Nazis Germany.

In my opinion, the government should react timely and adequately to such issues as HIV/AIDS. President Barack Obama established the National HIV/AIDS Strategy in 2010. This program was the first comprehensive step towards fighting the problem ( HIV/AIDS: Moving Forward n.d.).

The strategy was aimed at increasing the level of population’s awareness concerning the ways of HIV transmission. The results show that the level of HIV-infected people decreases every year in America ( HIV in the United States: At a Glance n.d.). This situation can be explained by the fact that Obama’s administration improved the situation in term of public health safety.

Numerous institutions aim at providing the best health care and prevention services. The roles of medical professional and public health expert in HIV/AIDS treatment differ. According to Gebbie, Rosenstock, and Hernandez (2003), public health professionals aim at improving the health condition on the level of population.

They can work in schools or organizations. The task of the public health professional is to educate citizens, make as many people as possible aware of potential threats. Medical professional works with the individual. The medical nurse takes care of the particular patient and makes every effort to improve his or her health condition or prevent the risk. That is the primary difference between responsibilities of the public health professional and the medical professional.

Basic Statistics . (n.d.). Web.

Fowler, N. (2014). HIV Remains Global Health Problem, Thanks to Ignorance and Prejudice . Web.

Gebbie, K., Rosenstock, L., & Hernandez, L. (2003). Who Will Keep the Public Healthy? Washington, D. C., USA: The National Academies Press.

HIV/AIDS: Moving Forward . (n.d.) Web.

HIV Basics . (n.d.) Web.

HIV in the United States: At a Glance (n.d.) Web.

• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2024, February 23). HIV/AIDS Definition, Prevention and Treatment. https://ivypanda.com/essays/hivaids-definition-prevention-and-treatment/

"HIV/AIDS Definition, Prevention and Treatment." IvyPanda , 23 Feb. 2024, ivypanda.com/essays/hivaids-definition-prevention-and-treatment/.

IvyPanda . (2024) 'HIV/AIDS Definition, Prevention and Treatment'. 23 February.

IvyPanda . 2024. "HIV/AIDS Definition, Prevention and Treatment." February 23, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/hivaids-definition-prevention-and-treatment/.

1. IvyPanda . "HIV/AIDS Definition, Prevention and Treatment." February 23, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/hivaids-definition-prevention-and-treatment/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "HIV/AIDS Definition, Prevention and Treatment." February 23, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/hivaids-definition-prevention-and-treatment/.

• Pneumonia Infection & Risk of Mortality in HIV-Infected Children
• Community Health Paper: Human Immunodeficiency Virus
• About Human Immunodeficiency Virus
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus Research in Nursing
• Tuberculosis and Human Immunodeficiency Coinfection
• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome in Uganda
• HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) Prevention
• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Pathophysiology
• Ancillary Services for HIV/AIDS Patients
• Center for Disease Control and HIV Prevention Goals
• Allergic Rhinitis: A Critical Discussion
• Tregs in Allergies and Autoimmune Diseases
• The Impact of Medical Biotechnology on Society: Vaccines
• B-Cells Role in the Immune System
• B-Cells and Anti Bodies

Write a general essay in about 200 words : AIDS Awareness Programmes.

Aids awareness programmes there are many people who throw caution to the winds and end up being affected with hiv/aids. this disease is transmitted by an infected person to others during unprotected sex, use of infected needles and from a mother to her newborn child. those facts are sometimes not known to all individuals and this is the reason why many innocent people are unknowingly affected with this disease. by starting an awareness program one can hope to bring together masses of people and enlighten them on the ill effects of this disease. by bringing together individuals from all walks of life one can give them information on how the disease is contracted by individuals and the ways one can enlist to save themselves from contracting the disease. this knowledge given to the masses will prevent social stigma, from becoming rampant and will allow those affected with the disease to live a normal life. when you are choosing to enlighten people about this disease you don't have to be a relative or friend of a victim who has been affected with this disease. aids is a disease that doesn't choose it victims. it affects each and every individual that comes its way. victims include babies, teen and old people. their race, sex and age doesn't count when they are affected with the disease. sometimes people are infected even if it was no fault of theirs; this is in cases of newborn babies. community based programs are the best way to spread awareness about this disease. one can enlist help of local work involving spread of useful information regarding the disease. ngo's can help, care and support for those affected with the ailment. faith sharing organization can do their part by educating the masses on the factors resulting to the disease. schools and colleges can help by spreading awareness through sex education classes, through which young girls and boys get to know facts which help them not to fall prey to this disease. in order to combat aids and spread knowledge in a better way we need to put forth a community based plan and schedule it systematically so that each and every individual in a particular location gets required information. stringing together a systematic plan is essential as in some communities the occurrence of hiv is low while in others the level is quite high. you also need to take into account practices like polygamy, dowry, superstitions and lack of health care when you consider awareness programs in localities where there are many poor people. by using such a systematic plan we can hope to bring about a change in society for the good by informing individuals and at the same time providing a loving and caring atmosphere for those affected by this disease. a constructive, coordinate and consistent program will help orient the community to a higher success rate and in turn will help to combat hiv/aids in a better way. it is essential to get more and more people involved in an aids awareness program as this goes a long way in reducing incident as people are well informed regarding what to do and what not to do..

Essay on HIV AIDs Awareness

Students are often asked to write an essay on HIV AIDs Awareness in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on HIV AIDs Awareness

Understanding hiv and aids.

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It attacks our body’s defense system. AIDS, or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, is the condition caused by HIV. It makes people very sick because their bodies can’t fight off illnesses well.

How HIV Spreads

HIV is passed from one person to another through blood, sharing needles, and from mother to baby during birth or breastfeeding. It’s also spread through sex without protection, like condoms.

Preventing HIV

Using new needles and safe sex practices, like condoms, can prevent HIV. Also, medicines can help mothers with HIV not pass the virus to their babies.

Living with HIV

People with HIV can live long, healthy lives with proper medicine. It’s important to get tested and start treatment early.

Spreading Awareness

Talking openly and learning more about HIV can help stop false beliefs and stop the virus from spreading. Schools and communities play a big role in this.

250 Words Essay on HIV AIDs Awareness

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It attacks our body’s defense system, making it hard to fight off sickness. AIDS, which is Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, happens when HIV has damaged the immune system a lot. People with AIDS can get very sick from infections that don’t usually make healthy people ill.

The Importance of Awareness

Knowing about HIV and AIDS is very important. It helps people learn how to protect themselves and others from getting the virus. Awareness also means understanding that people with HIV need support and should not be treated badly.

HIV can be passed from one person to another through blood, during sex, or from a mother to her baby during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding. It is not spread by touching, hugging, or sharing food.

Prevention is Key

Preventing HIV is better than trying to treat it. This means not sharing needles, using protection during sex, and getting tested if you think you might have been exposed to HIV. There are also medicines that can lower the risk of getting HIV.

Getting Tested

Getting tested for HIV is simple and can be private. If a test shows someone has HIV, it’s not the end of the world. With today’s medicines, people with HIV can live long and healthy lives.

Support and Respect

People with HIV deserve to be treated with kindness and respect. Being aware of HIV and AIDS means also fighting against wrong ideas and standing by those who have the virus. This way, we can all help stop HIV from spreading and support those living with it.

500 Words Essay on HIV AIDs Awareness

Understanding hiv/aids.

AIDS, which stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, is a serious health issue caused by the virus called HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus. This virus attacks our body’s defense system, making it hard for the body to fight off diseases. People can get HIV from infected blood, sharing needles, or through unsafe sex. It’s also possible for a mother to pass it to her baby during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding.

Why Awareness is Important

Knowing about HIV/AIDS is very important because it helps prevent the spread of the disease. People who are aware are more careful and can protect themselves and others. They know the importance of safe practices, like using new needles for medicines and not sharing them. They also understand why it’s important to have safe sex, using protection to stop the virus from spreading.

One of the key parts of awareness is getting tested for HIV. Tests are the only way to know for sure if someone has the virus. Early testing means that if a person does have HIV, they can start treatment sooner. This helps them live a longer, healthier life and reduces the chance of passing the virus to someone else.

Treatments for HIV/AIDS

There is no cure for HIV/AIDS, but there are medicines called antiretroviral therapy (ART) that help control the virus. These medicines help people with HIV live longer, healthier lives and lower the chance of spreading the virus. Knowing about these treatments is a big part of awareness because it encourages people with HIV to get the help they need.

Support and Acceptance

People with HIV/AIDS often face tough times because others might not understand the disease. They can be treated unfairly or feel alone. HIV/AIDS awareness includes teaching people to be kind and supportive. When everyone understands the disease better, they can help those affected by HIV/AIDS feel accepted and not alone.

Education and Prevention

Teaching kids and adults about HIV/AIDS is a powerful way to stop the disease from spreading. Schools and community groups can give out information on how to stay safe and healthy. They can also explain that HIV is not spread by touching, hugging, or being friends with someone who has the virus.

Global Efforts

Countries around the world are working together to stop HIV/AIDS. They share information, support research for better treatments, and help people get the care they need. It’s a global fight, and awareness is a tool that everyone can use to join in.

HIV/AIDS awareness is about understanding the disease, knowing how to prevent it, and supporting those who have it. It’s about getting tested and starting treatment if needed. Most of all, it’s about kindness and working together to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS. When everyone knows more, they can do more to help themselves and others.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on Pop Culture
• Essay on Poor And Rich Lifestyle
• Essay on Polygamy Is Better Than Monogamy

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• What Are HIV and AIDS?
• How Is HIV Transmitted?
• Who Is at Risk for HIV?
• Symptoms of HIV
• U.S. Statistics
• Impact on Racial and Ethnic Minorities
• Global Statistics
• HIV and AIDS Timeline
• In Memoriam
• Supporting Someone Living with HIV
• Standing Up to Stigma
• Getting Involved
• HIV Treatment as Prevention
• Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
• Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
• Preventing Sexual Transmission of HIV
• Alcohol and HIV Risk
• Substance Use and HIV Risk
• Preventing Perinatal Transmission of HIV
• HIV Vaccines
• Long-acting HIV Prevention Tools
• Microbicides
• Who Should Get Tested?
• HIV Testing Locations
• HIV Testing Overview
• Understanding Your HIV Test Results
• Living with HIV
• Talking About Your HIV Status
• Locate an HIV Care Provider
• Types of Providers
• Take Charge of Your Care
• What to Expect at Your First HIV Care Visit
• Making Care Work for You
• Seeing Your Health Care Provider
• HIV Lab Tests and Results
• Returning to Care
• HIV Treatment Overview
• Viral Suppression and Undetectable Viral Load
• Taking Your HIV Medicine as Prescribed
• Tips on Taking Your HIV Medication Every Day
• Paying for HIV Care and Treatment
• Other Health Issues of Special Concern for People Living with HIV
• Alcohol and Drug Use
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) and People with HIV
• Hepatitis B & C
• Vaccines and People with HIV
• Flu and People with HIV
• Mental Health
• Mpox and People with HIV
• Opportunistic Infections
• Sexually Transmitted Infections
• Syphilis and People with HIV
• HIV and Women's Health Issues
• Aging with HIV
• Emergencies and Disasters and HIV
• Employment and Health
• Exercise and Physical Activity
• Food Safety and Nutrition
• Housing and Health
• Traveling Outside the U.S.
• Civil Rights
• Workplace Rights
• Limits on Confidentiality
• National HIV/AIDS Strategy (2022-2025)
• Implementing the National HIV/AIDS Strategy
• Prior National HIV/AIDS Strategies (2010-2021)
• Key Strategies
• Priority Jurisdictions
• HHS Agencies Involved
• Learn More About EHE
• Ready, Set, PrEP
• Ready, Set, PrEP Pharmacies
• Ready, Set, PrEP Resources
• AHEAD: America’s HIV Epidemic Analysis Dashboard
• HIV Prevention Activities
• HIV Testing Activities
• HIV Care and Treatment Activities
• HIV Research Activities
• Activities Combating HIV Stigma and Discrimination
• The Affordable Care Act and HIV/AIDS
• HIV Care Continuum
• Syringe Services Programs
• Finding Federal Funding for HIV Programs
• Fund Activities
• The Fund in Action
• About PACHA
• Members & Staff
• Subcommittees
• Prior PACHA Meetings and Recommendations
• I Am a Work of Art Campaign
• Awareness Campaigns
• Global HIV/AIDS Overview
• U.S. Government Global HIV/AIDS Activities
• U.S. Government Global-Domestic Bidirectional HIV Work
• Global HIV/AIDS Organizations
• National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day February 7
• HIV Is Not A Crime Awareness Day February 28
• National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day March 10
• National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day March 20
• National Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Day April 10
• HIV Vaccine Awareness Day May 18
• National Asian & Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day May 19
• HIV Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day June 5
• National HIV Testing Day June 27
• Zero HIV Stigma July 21
• Southern HIV/AIDS Awareness Day August 20
• National Faith HIV/AIDS Awareness Day August 27
• National African Immigrants and Refugee HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis Awareness Day September 9
• National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day September 18
• National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day September 27
• National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day October 15
• World AIDS Day December 1
• Event Planning Guide
• U.S. Conference on HIV/AIDS (USCHA)
• National Ryan White Conference on HIV Care & Treatment
• AIDS 2020 (23rd International AIDS Conference Virtual)

Want to stay abreast of changes in prevention, care, treatment or research or other public health arenas that affect our collective response to the HIV epidemic? Or are you new to this field?

HIV.gov curates learning opportunities for you, and the people you serve and collaborate with.

Stay up to date with the webinars, Twitter chats, conferences and more in this section.

Why is National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Important?

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share on LinkedIn
• Share on Email

Given the significant impact of HIV on youth, just over a month ago, on April 10th, the HIV community observed National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NYHAAD). Mr. Harold J. Phillips, MRP, Director of the White House Office of National AIDS Policy (ONAP), participated in a roundtable discussion Exit Disclaimer hosted by Advocates for Youth Exit Disclaimer to discuss emerging issues for youth with or impacted by HIV. The roundtable, moderated by Armonte Butler, Advocates for Youth Associate Director, LGBTQ Health & Rights, also included Tyra Gravesande, NYHAAD youth ambassador; Eunice Mejiadeu, NYHAAD youth ambassador; and Erika Ninoyu, Congresswoman Barbara Lee’s Senior Legislative Assistant.

In his remarks, Mr. Phillips discussed the disparities seen in youth with HIV. In 2021,  53% of new HIV diagnoses among youth aged 13–24 were among Black youth Exit Disclaimer . Additionally, according to AIDSVu Exit Disclaimer , the disparity is even more stark among young Black women—in 2020, over  61% of young women with HIV were Black . In 2021, young people under age 24 accounted for 19% of new HIV diagnoses but only 13% of PrEP users Exit Disclaimer . In addition, young people face challenges in accessing and maintaining HIV treatment—only 81% of young people (aged 13–24) were linked to HIV care in 2021 Exit Disclaimer , the lowest rate of any age group. Mr. Phillips reminded the audience that it is for these reasons that youth aged 13–24 are included as a priority population in the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS), and several action items in the NHAS Federal Implementation Plan are specifically targeted to address youth populations.

The roundtable’s panelists discussed the need for youth and students to receive scientifically factual, honest, and culturally competent sexual health education that includes information on HIV and its effects on Black and Latino communities, as well as the critical role HBCUs can play in increasing access for youth to HIV-related services. Additionally, the youth panelists discussed the need for students to be able to access services at times and locations that work for their lives. Also highlighted were the intersectional nature of HIV and the need to build coalitions and partnerships across related issues such mental and behavioral health, sexual health education, and trauma and violence. Ms. Ninoyu from Congresswoman Barbara Lee’s office highlighted the Congressional Resolution  (PDF, 228KB) Ms. Lee sponsored in awareness of NYHAAD.

For additional information about NYHAAD, please read HIV.gov’s earlier blog which includes resources to support the ongoing efforts to reduce HIV and AIDS in this community.

Related HIV.gov Blogs

• ONAP White House Office of National AIDS Policy
• Youth Awareness Day National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

5 Reasons why HIV/AIDS awareness is important

Thousands of people are infected and children are being orphaned because of HIV/AIDS. Not everyone knows the impact AIDS has in every community and every business or organisation.

Thousands of people are infected and children are being orphaned because of HIV/AIDS. Not everyone knows the impact AIDS has in every community and every business or organisation. According to STATS SA, an estimated 7 million South Africans are HIV positive. Almost all of us are affected by HIV and AIDS. There is really NO cure for HIV/Aids. The best we can do to prevent this disease from spreading and taking more lives, is to educate and create awareness. Knowledge is power.

According to the etu.org.za website, in 1990 the life expectancy of people living with HIV/AIDS was 60 years. This has decreased tremendously over the past few years, and now most infected people won’t even live to see 60. Statistics show mainly women between ages 18 and 40 and men between ages 30 and 50, are the ones who are mostly infected with this disease. These are our working age groups as well as our childbearing women who sustain the population. It is safe to say that this epidemic will badly affect our society as a whole today and in future.

Because over 90% of HIV/AIDS infected people are in their working years, this is a serious problem all businesses face. “HIV/AIDS is hampering human resource development, undermining the skills base and driving away foreign investment. The benefits of a proactive approach far outweigh the costs of doing nothing”; this is stated on the SA Business Coalition on Health and AIDS website. So why should all companies’ present HIV/AIDS awareness courses? Why is it so important especially in the work environment?

 These courses encourage your workforce to get tested and know their status. The more your company and the individual employee know about their status, the more help and better assistance businesses can offer.  Increased awareness of safe practices to prevent HIV infection results in people being more careful and ultimately decreases infection rates.  HIV/AIDS Awareness programmes help people become aware of the levels of care and treatment, whether they are living with HIV or caring for someone with this disease.  These courses give organisations the chance to invest in the communities by creating awareness and educating the workforce who pass down the knowledge to their community members. These courses also help infected employees understanding how to live with HIV/AIDS and make a positive contribution towards society.  They help co-workers understand how to work together with HIV infected people, as a unit and not to stereo type or discriminate against those. These programmes help everyone to understand the disease, to boost staff morale and create better employer/employee relationships.

Industries especially under pressure to put proper HIV/AIDS policies in place, who suffer the most because of this epidemic, are mining, transport, manufacturing and the financial sectors. Bill Clinton put it so wisely by saying: “We live in a completely interdependent world, which simply means we cannot escape each other. How we respond to AIDS depends, in part, on whether we understand this interdependence. It is not someone else’s problem. This is everybody’s problem.”

But where do you as an employer start? Start by educating your staff and creating awareness through presenting HIV/AIDS programs. Help fight HIV/AIDS. Contact [email protected] or visit www.themindspa.co.za for more information.

Check out these other articles

• Are People More Complicated Than Technology?
• Get Your Hands On These Discounted Courses From Colleen Osorio
• Top Tips For Retail Training Success
• Vocational Training Goes Online: Greater Accessibility For Prospective Students
• Toolmaker Artisan Training Programme
• Improving Staff Training In The Retail Environment
• How To Disagree With Someone More Powerful Than You
• What is a Skills Development Facilitator?
• How To Map Out Your Online Study Programme
• Top 5 Places To Do Your Skills Training

Advertisement

Related Content

Latest News: Apply Now For Western Cape Schools

Advertisement i

Other People Were Also Interested In

If you're interested in pursuing education at a South African university, you'll be pleased to learn that applications for the year 2025 are now open at several universities in South Africa. Here are the details we have gathered thus far.

The 2024 academic year is now in motion and TVET Colleges are starting to open their Semester 2 applications. Individuals still interested in enrolling in a TVET College in 2024 can still apply.

Unisa is the largest open distance learning university where students decide what their schedule looks like. The University has now opened Unisa Semester 2 applications for the 2024 academic year.

With the recent boost in the SRD grant, the R350 grant payment has now been raised to R370. If you've applied for the R370 Sassa grant, here are the steps to verify your Sassa status.

Advertisement m

• Skip to main content

India’s Largest Career Transformation Portal

Essay on AIDS for Students & Children in English [500+ Words]

January 15, 2021 by Sandeep

Essay on AIDS: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome is a deadly disease contracted when a person infected with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). It destroys the person’s immune system to such an extent that the patient cannot resist even minor illnesses. The CD4 cells of the host system are totally weakened, and the patient’s physical and mental condition becomes vulnerable. There has been no permanent cure for AIDS to date.

Essay on AIDS 500 Words in English

Below we have provided AIDS Essay in English, suitable for class 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10.

Can you believe that around 38 million people in the world are, currently, suffering from a disease, which had already taken the lives of around 35 million in the past! “Dangerous” is the first word that we associate with this disease from these figures; but still, what is more dangerous, is that, despite being such a deadly disease, it is one of the most “taboo” diseases of the world! This disease is called “AIDS”. Its name may mean ‘to help’, but it just helps a person to die!

AIDS, a short-form for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, is one of the world’s fatal diseases. AIDS is caused by a virus named HIV, i.e. Human Immunodeficiency Virus. We can get an idea about this virus’s work from its name itself. It weakens our immune system by getting into White Blood Cells (WBCs), which are involved in protecting our body from infectious diseases and foreign invaders, and then destroying WBCs and the T-helper cells (T-helper cells helps other cells in our immune system to fight off the invading viruses). This results in weakening the body’s immune system, which becomes more susceptible or likely to catch other diseases too! Eventually, as the body cannot fight off the diseases, it leads to the final stage of this disease, AIDS.

The first cases of AIDS were found in the Western parts of Africa, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It later on spread outside of Africa, during the early 20th century, when the urbanisation was at its peak in Africa. Later on, when some deaths were reported late 20th century in America, it was taken as a serious issue. There are two types of HIV: HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-1 contributes to 90% of the cases, while HIV-2 is very rare. Hence, generally, when we are referring to HIV, we are talking about HIV-1.

Generally, HIV transmits in one of the three ways

• Blood:  The transfusion of HIV through blood was very common in its initial spread. By reusing of needles, we can transmit this virus from an infected person to a healthy one. But nowadays, stricter norms have led to fewer cases due to this reason.
• Prenatal: Prenatal transmission is possible through an infected mother to her child while breastfeeding, during delivery of a baby or even during pregnancy.
• Sexual Transmission:  Sexual transmission occurs through body fluids while having sexual activity or unprotected sexual intercourse through oral, genital, or rectal parts.

According to the UN, “India has the 3rd largest number of people living with HIV in the world,” i.e. around 2.1 million at the end of 2013.

Symptoms of AIDS

As HIV attacks on the WBCs of the body, the overall immune system of the human body is reduced, and due to that, the infected person is at risk of catching other diseases very easily. Normally, it takes 0-12 years for symptoms to appear rapidly, and the common symptoms are fever, fatigue, loss of weight, dysentery, swollen nodes, etc.

Hence, a person can live with this disease for around 10 years, without knowing that he/she is suffering from it! Also, this disease doesn’t just affect a person’s health life, but its social life too! The social stigma and trauma that follows this disease are also worse.

AIDS – Prevention and Treatment

Currently, there’s no cure for this disease. But its growth and spread in the body can be controlled by a drug therapy called ART or Anti-Retroviral Therapy. Still, a person has to learn to live with this virus. December 1st, is known as World AIDS Day, to spread awareness of this disease, as this is the only way to fight off this disease. As more awareness will make people take medicine in the early stage of this disease itself. The governments of various countries and the World Health Organisation (WHO), have taken various steps to increase the awareness of this disease, globally.

• भारत सरकार GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
• स्वास्थ्य एवं परिवार कल्याण मंत्रालय Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
• Skip to main content

राष्ट्रीय एड्स नियंत्रण संगठन National Aids Control Organisation

Publication

• Annual Report
• Basic Services
• Blood Transfusion Services
• Care, Support &Treatment
• Condom Promotion Newsletter
• Finance & Procurement
• IEC, Mainstreaming & Social Protection
• Surveillance & Epidemiology
• Lab Services
• Monitoring & Evaluation
• Meetings/Workshops/Conferences
• MTA of NACP IV
• NGO & Targeted Interventions
• State Fact Sheets
• STI/RTI Services
• NACP I, II, III
• Details of Service Facilities
• Prevention Services

NACO Updates

• Whitepaper On Comprehensive Health Related Services For Transgender Persons
• Community System Strengthening Response in India
• National Consultation on SoP for SPA Massage Parlours, Network Operators and Web-based platforms under NACP_8-9 June 2023
• Sankalak: Status of National AIDS Response", Fifth Edition (2023)
• Sankalak: Status of National AIDS Response", Fourth Edition (2022)
• SoP for reaching the unreached HRGs operating at Spa_through Network Operators_at web based platforms under NACP
• Terms of Reference _State and District Community Resource Group under CSS
• India HIV Estimates 2022: Technical Report
• ANC HSS 2021: Technical Report
• India HIV Estimates 2021: Technical Report
• NACO Stigma Handbook
• Central Prisons 2021: Technical Report
• For more NACO Updates click here

Important Links

Quick links.

• Publications
• Labs for Life Website

Awareness Raising

HIV infection is entirely preventable through awareness raising. Therefore, awareness raising about its occurrence and spread is very significant in protecting the people from the epidemic. It is for this reason that the National AIDS Control Programme lays maximum emphasis on the widespread reach of information, education and communication on HIV/AIDS prevention. Changing knowledge, attitudes and behaviour as a prevention strategy of HIV/AIDS thus is a key thrust area of the National AIDS Control Programme.

Addressing the Vulnerable

Awareness raising brings behaviour change. Through this route the programme promotes prevention, and aims to reach out to 80 percent of the high risk groups and 95 percent of the young people. In fact, the awareness campaign of NACP has received a big boost with the formation of National Council on AIDS that has mainstreamed HIV prevention activities in various government institutions and programmes.

The programme focuses on saturating an estimated four million high risk groups (commercial sex workers, injecting drug users, men-who-have-sex-with-men), twelve million highly vulnerable populations – migrants and truckers, and a large number of young women and men in the general community, who constitute almost 40 percent of the country’s population, with information on various aspects of vulnerability to HIV infection.