World AIDS Vaccine Day (18 May): History, Importance, Theme, Quotes

World AIDS Vaccine Day, observed annually on 18 May, is also known as HIV Vaccine Awareness Day. As the name suggests, the day is dedicated to spreading awareness about the need for HIV vaccines to prevent the HIV infection and AIDS. Observance of the day is aimed at acknowledging the relentless effort of scientists and health care professionals who are working hard to find a vaccine against HIV.

History of World AIDS Vaccine Day

The first AIDS Vaccine Day was observed on 18th May 1998. The idea to celebrate the day was the result of a speech given by President Bill Clinton at Morgan State University in 1997. In his speech, the President said that vaccination was the only way to limit the spread of HIV infection and to eventually wipe out AIDS.

The celebration of World AIDS Vaccine Day is led by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). The organizing bodies of the day focus on spreading awareness about HIV infection and pressing on the urgent need of developing a vaccine against it.

What are HIV and AIDS?

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus which is a virus that attacks the immune system of the body. The virus is transmitted from one individual to the other through sharing of needles, blood, and unprotected sex and also from mother to child during pregnancy, delivery and breastfeeding. Within a few weeks of the infection, the patient might get symptoms of flu, like fever, sore throat and fatigue.

The virus then progresses asymptomatically and develops into AIDS. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) interferes with the body’s ability to fight against infections. It may exhibit symptoms like fatigue, night sweating, fever, weight loss and recurrent infections. Strict adherence to Anti-retroviral Therapies (ARTs) can slow down the progress of the disease but to date, no cure has been found for AIDS.

In fact, HIV/AIDS has been one of the most destructive pandemics faced by the human population.

Global Statistics about HIV

According to the estimates drawn by WHO, 38 million people around the globe were living with HIV infection in the year 2019. More than 33 million people to date have reportedly died due to HIV infection.

As a result of global efforts against HIV and AIDS the pandemic has now become a manageable chronic health condition. About 68% of adults and 53% of children affected with HIV had access to ARTs in 2019. 85% of pregnant and breastfeeding mothers too had access to the therapy thus protecting their children from getting the HIV infection.

Why no HIV Vaccine to Date?

When we are observing a day for acknowledging the importance of the vaccine for AIDS, it is natural to wonder why we don’t have a vaccine yet. The HIV was first identified in 1984 and the scientists were hopeful for developing a vaccine within two years. But, no vaccine has been found to date. There are several road blocks due to which we haven’t still got the success. Some of the reasons are as follows –

• The human immune system seems to be blind to HIV. The immune system fails to create antibodies strong enough to fight HIV infection.
• Vaccines are made by mimicking the immune reaction of a person who has recovered from the disease. To date, no human has recovered from the HIV infection. So, there’s nothing for the scientists to mimic.
• A weakened or killed virus is generally used as a vaccine. HIV when killed or weakened does not produce the desired immune response.
• HIV mutates very quickly so it is very tough to find a vaccine for the same.

As you already know there’s no cure available for HIV or AIDS. To date, we do not have a vaccine against it. So, the best way is to stay aware and prevent yourself from getting an HIV infection.