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| Sunday, 27 November 2005 |
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Junior Observer |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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World AIDS Day : Fighting the killer disease
Another modern day scourge, which is just as ruthless and devastating as slavery, is the killer disease, AIDS. Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is one of the biggest social, economic and health challenges facing the modern day world, and is a global emergency claiming over 8,000 lives per day; five people die of AIDS every minute, in some part of the world. AIDS is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and is spread through body fluids. Those having the virus are known as 'HIV positive', but the victims wouldn't know they are infected until their immunity systems are damaged, making them vulnerable to infections which could even result in death. Over 40 million people around the world are living with HIV/AIDS, of which 2.2 million are children. Over 100 Sri Lankan children are also said to be living with AIDS. Five million people each were newly infected with the virus in 2004 and 2003. Three million people died of complications due to the virus in 2003 while 20 million have died todate. Almost half of the sufferers fall victim to the disease before they are 25 years old, and die before they reach the age of 35. Large numbers of children, especially in Africa, have been orphaned as a result of their parents dying of AIDS. Although 95 per cent of the victims are in developing countries, the disease affects men, women and children all over the world. South Africa is the worst affected country at the moment, but our neighbouring country India is close behind and is expected to overtake the African nation sooner or later. AIDS is also spreading rapidly across East and Central Asia and Eastern Europe. Although it cannot be cured, through proper care and treatment, victims stand to face an improved life. AIDS drugs are expensive however, with costs being around 300 US dollars per person per year. Although about 700,000 people in developing countries have access to these drugs, this is only about 12 per cent of the total number of patients. World AIDS Day, commemorated on December 1, reminds the world of the need to focus attention on the disease, to treat victims with dignity and respect and to make global efforts to find a cure. The Day was declared by the World Health Organisation in 1988 and was supported by the United Nations General Assembly, which was deeply concerned about the pandemic promotions of the disease. Events connected with the Day had, in the past, been organised by UNAIDS, but this year has been handed over to the World AIDS Campaign. The theme this organisation has picked for this year is 'Stop AIDS: Keep the Promise' which will be its focus not just for this day, but in all its programmes till 2010. Several organisations have decided to observe the day under their own themes. Most people in Western countries now wear a red ribbon during World AIDS Day as a sign of support for people living with HIV and as a symbol of hope for the future. Competitions are also conducted at schools around the world to raise
awareness about the disease as well as about treating sufferers with love
and care. |
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