Medical Dialogues

WORLD AIDS VACCINE DAY

18th May 2024
World AIDS Vaccine Day, observed on May 18, highlights the need for AIDS vaccines and honors the efforts of doctors, scientists, and community members in vaccine development. It promotes awareness and gratitude for those working towards an HIV vaccine.
WHAT IS AIDS?
AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), caused by HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), was first reported in the U.S. in 1981. If untreated, HIV can progress to AIDS, severely damaging the immune system and impairing the body's ability to combat diseases and infections.
HISTORY OF WORLD AIDS VACCINE DAY
On May 18, 1997, then-President Bill Clinton gave a speech at Morgan State University and stressed the need to develop a vaccine to halt the epidemic's spread. This speech is remembered on this day.
Since then, people all over the world have celebrated the day to raise awareness of the illness and the need for a vaccine.
SIGNIFICANCE OF WORLD AIDS VACCINE DAY
World AIDS Vaccine Day is significant because it serves to highlight the advancements in AIDS research as well as the need of ongoing efforts to combat the disease.
This day serves as a reminder of the worldwide effort needed to create a vaccine that can stop infections and eventually eradicate the illness.
The day also recognises those who toil day and night to create an efficacious AIDS vaccine and increases public awareness of the continued efforts in prevention.
Several organisations and governments organise different programmes and events on this day to spread awareness about the disease and its prevention and control.