World AIDS Day, observed on 1st of December every year, is a day dedicated to raise awareness and understanding of the pandemic disease of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) caused by the spread of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. This day acknowledges the need for worldwide unity in the fight against HIV, support for people living with HIV and to commemorate those who have died of HIV. This day is important as it reminds us that HIV has not gone away and there is still a vital need to fight against it by increasing awareness and education about how to prevent ourselves from this disease. In a manner of speaking this day provides us with an opportunity to learn the facts about HIV and put our knowledge into action.
Notwithstanding the various scientific advances made in the HIV treatment, people still do not know the facts about how to protect themselves and others from HIV, and stigma and discrimination remain a reality for many people living with HIV. Since more than 100,000 people are HIV infected in Pakistan, making it one of the most destructive pandemics, therefore it is hoped that the government along with the civil society would be sincere in their efforts and endeavor wholeheartedly for a full fledged awareness campaign to protect the future generations of Pakistan from this widespread disease.
Syed Ali Qasim
Lahore
