On December 1, the international community celebrates the International Day against Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV / AIDS). The first cases of this disease were registered in America in the late 80s of last century. According to the United Nations, in 2018 the number of infected people reached 37.9 million.
In order to inform the public about the disease and prevent its spread since 1996, all member states of the United Nations celebrate this day by holding awareness-raising events.
The Red Crescent Society of Tajikistan (RCST) also annually on this day, in cooperation with the country’s health authorities, organizes various information and educational programs, forums, consultations, social advertising and more on this topic.
To this end, on November 30, 2019 at the Tajik State University of Finance and Economics was held a forum dedicated to the International Day against Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV / AIDS). The RCST staff and volunteers presented a documentary and a Q&A session. Active participants who provided correct answers to the questions of experts in the field of HIV / AIDS, received souvenirs. The forum was attended by about 300 students, teachers, volunteers, representatives of medical institutions and the RCST.
It should be noted that although the increase in human immunodeficiency virus in recent years and its incurability has caused concern in the international community, according to medical scientists, it is manageable.
As Ilhom Rakhimov, the head of the RCST’s socio-medical department, said: “Human immunodeficiency virus is a chronic infectious disease that weakens the immune system and makes it difficult to keep the body healthy, and when HIV develops, it can lead to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). / AIDS).
According to medical experts, HIV is transmitted through blood, unprotected sex, unsterilized syringes, and from an infected mother to her baby at birth.
“It is important to know that HIV can be transmitted through saliva, body sweat, handshakes and other daily contact, hugging, coughing, sneezing, insect bites and animal bites, household items, bathing together in a swimming pool, bathroom, kitchen and food. It is not contagious, ”said Ilhom Rakhimov.
In addition, according to Article 125 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Tajikistan, persons who infect another person with HIV / AIDS in various ways are sentenced to 2 to 10 years in prison.
In order to be aware of the disease and prevent the spread of infection to loved ones, each person should be tested at least once a year.
Information Center of the RCST, Dushanbe, Dushanbe, December 1, 2019
