World AIDS Vaccine Day 2022 | History and Importance

Mehwash Hussain | Updated: May 12, 2022 13:59 IST

Every year on May 18, the world celebrates World AIDS Vaccine Day. The day is observed to honour the efforts of hundreds of scientists and medical professionals who are working persistently to develop a vaccine to combat the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The day is also known as HIV Vaccine Awareness Day, with the goal of raising awareness about the importance of HIV vaccinations in preventing HIV infection and AIDS.

The event accomplishes two goals. One, it primarily aims to honour those medical professionals, scientists, and volunteers/supporters who have committed their lives to the development of a viable and safe AIDS vaccine. The other emphasises the significance of vaccination as a barrier against the life-threatening virus.

Famous Monuments of Eastern IndiaFamous Monuments of South India
Haryana Government SchemesFamous Monuments of North India
Rajasthan Government SchemesPunjab Government Schemes

History of World AIDS Vaccine Day

The inaugural World AIDS Vaccine Day of was held on May 18, 1998, and was celebrated across the world. The idea for HIV Vaccine Awareness Day came from former US President Bill Clinton’s commencement speech at Morgan State University in 1997.

He stated that vaccination was very necessary to control and destroy the fatal disease. Clinton had underlined the need of maximising the use of science and technology in developing a vaccine that would improve people’s ability to fight HIV and thereby shield the world from the fatal grips of AIDS.

What is HIV?

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that targets the body’s immune system. It may be contracted through sharing needles, blood, or unprotected intercourse, and it can even be passed from mother to child during pregnancy. Within a few weeks, flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and exhaustion will appear.

Important Facts About World AIDS Vaccine Day

  • At the end of 2019, an estimated 38.0 million individuals were living with HIV.
  • HIV testing should be optional, and the freedom to refuse should be respected. Forced testing by any authority is unacceptable since it compromises public health and violates human rights.
  • Increased HIV susceptibility is frequently linked to legal and societal issues, which increase exposure to risk scenarios and create hurdles to effective, high-quality, and cheap HIV prevention, testing, and treatment.

We hope that you must have got all the details on World AIDS Vaccine Day 2022. If you have any queries or concerns regarding the article, feel free to connect with us. We will be happy to help you to get all your queries sorted and improve your general knowledge.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the World AIDS Vaccine Day Celebrated?

It is celebrated on 18 May every year.

What is the full form of AIDS?

The full form of AIDS is Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.

Whose idea was it to celebrate World AIDS Vaccine Day?

It was former US President Bill Clinton’s idea to celebrate World AIDS Vaccine Day.

How is HIV contracted?

It may be contracted through sharing needles, blood, or unprotected intercourse, and it can even be passed from mother to child during pregnancy.

What are the symptoms of HIV?

The symptoms of HIV are fever, sore throat, and exhaustion.

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