Today is the World AIDS Day founded in 1988 at the World Summit of Health Ministers, and later recognized by the United Nations. On this occasion, great support is provided to people living with wicked disease and it is an opportunity to commemorate those who have died from AIDS.
This year, the important date is marked under the slogan "Test for HIV because it's important to know". The City Institute of Public Health of Belgrade organizes free testing today from 08:00 to 18:00.
There will be discussions, exhibitions, concerts and other activities on the territory of Serbia where information and educational materials and condoms will be distributed. Also, it will be possible to get tested for HIV - a human immunodeficiency virus voluntary, anonymously and free at various locations. AIDS disease is contagious and still incurable, and is caused by the entry of HIV virus into the body.
The World Health Organization warns that more than forty percent of people infected with HIV are unaware of the virus and that several million people miss the opportunity to save lives and prevent further virus spread. Today, around 35.3 million people are infected with HIV, and improved therapy drastically reduces the mortality rate. Tuberculosis is still the biggest cause of AIDS deaths.
The red ribbon is an international symbol that shows the awareness of the existence of a virus and AIDS. People show support to those who live with this wicked disease by wearing an HIV awareness red ribbon on the day. A group of twelve artists created the red ribbon in 1991, which is a recognizable feature in the whole world today.
World AIDS Day in Serbia
The first infected citizen in Serbia was registered in 1985, and since then, about 4,000 people have been registered in our country. There are the most infected in Belgrade and Vojvodina. Men are more vulnerable than women (according to statistics, there are 10 women registered on 99 infected men). Statistics show that the most vulnerable population is from 29 to 49 years of age, of which the most risky young men are homosexuals. Serbia is one of the countries with the lowest HIV tests per year.
HIV testing can detect infections at an early stage and start a life-prolonging therapy, reduce mortality rates, and reduce the chance of tuberculosis and other serious illnesses. Simultaneously, taking regular therapy reduces the possibility of further HIV transmission to other people up to 96%. HIV testing can be done in twenty-three cities in Serbia throughout the year.
HIV Transmission
1. By haring certain body fluids - blood, semen, pre-seminal fluid, rectal fluids, vaginal fluids and breast milk.
2. By having unprotected sexual intercourses with people who have HIV.
3. By sharing needles or syringes, rinse water, or other equipment (works) used to prepare drugs for injection with someone who has HIV.
4. From mother to child during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding if a mother is infected and not taking medicine.
HIV is NOT transmitted
Kissing, coughing, sneezing, touching, sports activity, sharing eating utensils or sharing toilets are not transmitters of the virus. No cases of transmission of infection by saliva, tears or sweat were recorded. Mosquitoes and other insects do not transmit the virus.
Get tested and protect yourself and others!
