The journey of AIDS in last 27 years

Once Upon a time AIDS was equated with death, no hope--a dead end. Not any more now. With sustained awareness campaigns and medical initiatives, mankind is now more empowered to handle the crisis. The awareness campaigns have been there all across the world and in India, every responsible citizen, be it a common man or a celebrity has done his bit to spread the awareness. And it is because of these sustained efforts that the positive results are there to be seen. Aids can be like any other disease for any doctor who is curing people suffering from this disease but it is always a pain for those who lost anyone from their family due to this life taking disease. This Tuesday marks 27 years of commemorating World AIDS Day, and in that time HIV has gone from a "death sentence" to a manageable and treatable chronic illness. World AIDS Day held on December 1 every year since 1988. This day is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection, and mourning those who have died of the disease. Government and health officials, non-governmental organizations and individuals around the world observe the day, often with education on AIDS prevention and control. Tens of thousands of individuals and community groups from across the globe take part in events to mark World Aids Day each year. The activities are also aimed at creating awareness about HIV, on how it is transmitted and how it is not. An estimate has been taken that 35 million people worldwide are infected with HIV/AIDS, according to the World Health Organization. HIV kills or damages the body's immune system cells and is most often spread through unprotected sex with an infected person. It can also be spread by sharing infected drug needles or through contact with the blood of someone who is infected. Women can pass HIV to their babies during pregnancy or childbirth. Left untreated, HIV can within two to 15 years advance to AIDS, which can make people vulnerable to fatal diseases.