World AIDS Day: A Reminder to Stay Alert, A Call to Care
Siddharth Roy
Civil Engineer, Writer and Columnist
Every year on December 1, the world comes together to observe World AIDS Day. It is more than just a date on the calendar. It is a day of remembrance, awareness, solidarity and hope. It reminds us of the lives lost to HIV AIDS, the struggles of those who continue to fight the disease and the urgent need to prevent new infections. Even after four decades since HIV was first detected, the fight is far from over. This day urges us to look at the progress made so far and at the long road ahead.
India has one of the largest populations of people living with HIV. Although the country has made major progress in reducing new infections over the years, challenges remain. Many people still do not get tested on time. Many hesitate to seek treatment due to stigma. Even today, discrimination continues in workplaces, hospitals and neighbourhoods. These barriers often cause people to hide their condition instead of seeking help. World AIDS Day is a powerful reminder that ending AIDS requires ending stigma first.
The theme of World AIDS Day this year highlights the importance of community and equal access to care. Treatment and prevention must reach everyone, especially those who remain on the margins. People living with HIV need respect and support, not judgement. Communities have played a major role in fighting AIDS from the beginning. They have helped spread awareness, provided care in remote areas, supported families and helped thousands get timely treatment. Continuing this spirit of community-led action is crucial.
One of the biggest achievements in the fight against HIV has been the advancement of free and accessible treatment. Antiretroviral therapy has changed the lives of millions. Earlier, a diagnosis of HIV was seen as a death sentence. Today, with proper treatment, people with HIV can live long and healthy lives. The government has done commendable work by providing free medicines and expanding testing facilities across the country. But these services need to reach every corner, especially rural and tribal areas where awareness is still low.
Young people are an important part of this conversation. Many lack correct information about HIV. Misconceptions continue to spread more easily than facts. Schools, colleges and families must speak openly about HIV prevention. Safe practices, responsible behaviour, regular testing and awareness of symptoms should become a natural part of health education. Silence and misinformation only create more fear and risk. When young people are empowered with knowledge, they become a strong force in preventing new infections.
Women, too, are often at greater risk due to social and economic inequalities. Many do not have the freedom to make decisions about their own health. Some fear violence or rejection if they ask their partners to follow safe practices. Many do not get tested until it is too late. To fight AIDS, we must address these inequalities. Women need awareness, protection and support. They must be able to access healthcare without fear or hesitation.
Another area of concern is the discrimination faced by people living with HIV. Many still lose jobs or face bias at workplaces. Some are denied proper medical care. There are countless stories of people being isolated by their own families or communities. This kind of treatment not only violates basic human rights but also prevents others from coming forward to get tested. Society must understand that HIV is a medical condition, not a moral failing. Anyone can get infected, and everyone deserves compassion and care.
India’s goal to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 is ambitious but achievable. For this, multiple steps must move together. Testing must become more widespread. Treatment must be easily available everywhere. Pregnant women must get timely screening so their children are born safe and healthy. Awareness campaigns must continue throughout the year, not just on one day. Technology can also help by spreading reliable information and reminding patients to follow their treatment schedule.
On World AIDS Day, we must also honour the courage of those who live with HIV every day. They have taught the world about strength, dignity and resilience. Many of them work as counsellors, volunteers and educators, helping others face the same challenges they once did. Their voices must be heard and respected. They are not just beneficiaries of support; they are leaders in this fight.
AIDS is not just a health issue. It is a social issue, a human rights issue and a development issue. Ending AIDS requires empathy, awareness and collective action. It demands that governments, communities, families and individuals work together. It requires us to treat every person with dignity. The fight against AIDS is the fight for a kinder and more equal world.
World AIDS Day is a reminder that the disease has not disappeared. But it also reminds us that hope is stronger than fear. With science, awareness and compassion on our side, we can move closer to a future where no life is lost to AIDS and no one is left behind.