Dr. Bilal A Bhat & Bazila Manzoor
Worldwide Scientists believe that HIV originally came from a virus particular to chimpanzees in West Africa during the 1930s, and originally transmitted to humans through the transfer of blood through hunting. Over the decades, the virus spread through Africa, and to other parts of the world.However, it wasn’t until the early 1980s, when rare types of pneumonia, cancer, and other illnesses were being reported to doctors that the world became aware of HIV and AIDS.Human Immune Deficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) was first recognized as a new disease in 1981 when increasing numbers of young homosexual men succumbed to unusual opportunistic infections and rare malignancies (CDC 1981; Greene 2007).It is the final stage of HIV infection, which causes severe damage to the immune system and causes fatal infections. AIDS is the second widely spread communicable disease worldwide and the sixth common cause of death globally (WHO, 2004). HIV continues to be a major global public health issue. Every year World AIDS Day is globally commemorated healthcare event on the 1st of December since 1988. It was first established in 1988 by the World Health Organization (WHO) to focus global attention on the HIV/AIDS epidemic, raise awareness, and honour those who had died from AIDS. Created by public information officers James W. Bunn and Thomas Netter, it aimed to reduce stigma and educate the public. The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) took over in 1996, emphasizing themes that evolved from general awareness to complex issues like human rights, gender equality, and social stigma.Since the introduction of antiretroviral therapy in the late 1990s, World AIDS Day themes have focused on expanding access to treatment and prevention, especially in high-burden, low-income regions. On this day, various awareness campaigns and activities that promote the disease awareness are conducted by several organisations across the world, unite to show solidarity for people living with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), reminisced those who have died from an AIDS-related disease, and rally against the spread of the virus. The activities mainly focused on raising awareness about the status of the pandemic and encouraging progress in HIV / AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) prevention, treatment, and care around the world.
The need for AIDS awareness day is essential as HIV infection is currently incurable, but one can control it with proper awareness about the disease, especially in rural areas. Aids was once an unmanageable chronic health condition, but now, with advances in HIV prevention, diagnosis, manage, and care including for opportunistic infections, people with HIV can live long, and healthy lives. Globally, 40.8 million [37.0–45.6 million] people were living with HIV at the end of 2024. An estimated 0.7% [0.6-0.8%] of adults aged 15–49 years worldwide are living with HIV, although the burden of the epidemic continues to vary considerably between countries and regions.Sub-Saharan Africa remains the most affected region, with 1 in 20 adults living with HIV. Despite progress, challenges persist, including funding gaps, healthcare inequalities, and persistent stigma.In 2025, the estimated number of people living with HIV in India is over 2.5 million, with the adult HIV prevalence rate approximately 0.2%. While the overall epidemic is declining, trends vary by region, with specific states like Mizoram, Nagaland, and Manipur showing higher prevalence rates, and the government continues efforts to meet the goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. Jammu and Kashmir is seeing a concerning rise in HIV cases, with nearly 7,000 reported infections as of May 2025. Unfortunately, the actual number could be higher due to underreporting and social stigma. Here’s a quick breakdown: (i) Total AIDS cases: 470, with 247 males and 201 females. (ii) Children under 15: 22 cases (14 boys, 8 girls). (iii) Treatment: 3,906 individuals are receiving Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) across three major centers. (iv) Deaths: Over 1,500 people have succumbed to AIDS-related complications since the early 2000s.The prevalence stands at 0.06%, significantly lower than India’s national average of 0.22%, but experts warn this might be an underestimate due to limited testing in rural areas. The key challenges include: (a) Stigma: Many avoid testing and treatment fearing societal judgment. (b) High-risk groups: Injecting drug users and sex workers are particularly vulnerable. (c) Government efforts: The National AIDS Control Programme has sanctioned over Rs 16.98 crore for J&K, and mobile HIV testing vans have been launched to reach remote areas.There’s a push to normalize HIV screening and improve awareness to combat the epidemic. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights also lays down that the principle of nondiscrimination is fundamental to human rights law. It equally applies to people suffering from HIV/AIDS. In India there is no comprehensive law to deal with menace of HIV/AIDS. However, various laws of the constitution guarantees the right of equality to HIV/AIDS patients (Article; 15,16,21,42,47). In India we have also Immoral Trafficking Prevention Act, 1986; HIV/AIDS Bill 2007; HIV/AIDS (Prevention and Control) Bill 2010. In case a person infected with HIV/AIDS is denied treatment or any other facility to which a common man is entitled, the aggrieved person can file a petition before the court for his/her readdress.Estimates place the HIV, with an estimated drop to 4.4 and 3.9 per 100,000 population in new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths globally by 2025, respectively, followed by a 90% reduction in both by 2030. To achieve such a target, awareness campaigns focused on education, treatment, and prevention should be implemented on a larger scale globally.To combat HIV/AIDS in India, the government established the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP). Since 2010, when NACP set its goal of reducing new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths by 80%, which was achieved, there has been a decline of 82% in AIDS-related mortality. However, only a 48% decrease in the annual number of new HIV infections have been reported. Globally, the existence of awareness campaigns since 1988 has been a major boon, as the number of new patients has declined by 32% since 2010, and AIDS-related deaths have decreased by 68% since 2004.
“Major religions offer moral guidance (like avoiding pre-marital sex and drug use in Islam) as a strategy for HIV/AIDS prevention. World AIDS Day unites global efforts to combat the continuing epidemic, promote comprehensive care, and show solidarity through the symbol of the red ribbon. The observance of this day serves as a powerful reminder that HIV/AIDS is still a major global health issue. It is a day dedicated to uniting people to fight the epidemic, promote prevention, testing, and treatment, and advocate for the rights of those affected. The red ribbon is the universal symbol of awareness and solidarity.”
The focus of this year’s World AIDS Day is “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response.” The commemoration of World AIDS Day, which will take place on 1 December 2025, is an important opportunity to highlight the impact that the funding cuts from international donors have had on the response to AIDS as well as to showcase the resilience of countries and communities stepping up to protect the gains made and drive the HIV response forward. In this year, a historic funding crisis is threatening to unravel decades of progress. HIV prevention services are severely disrupted. Community-led services, vital to reaching marginalized populations, are being deprioritized while the rise in punitive laws criminalizing same-sex relationships, gender identity, and drug use is amplifying the crisis, making HIV services inaccessible. The global AIDS response has been upended in recent months but there is still much more to be done to achieve the SDG target of ending AIDS by 2030. AIDS is not over and given today’s environment, a new transformative approach is needed to mitigate risks and help us reach our targets. Countries must make radical shifts to HIV programming and funding. The global HIV response cannot rely on domestic resources alone. The international community must come together to bridge the financing gap, support countries to close the remaining gaps in HIV prevention and treatment services, remove legal and social barriers, and empower communities to lead the way forward. Political leadership is paramount to advancing policies that address structural inequalities and protect vulnerable populations. Transformative solutions are needed to improve access to HIV services, eliminate stigma and discrimination once and for all, and ensure the protection of rights for women, girls, and LGBTQ+ people, who continue to face disproportionate barriers in accessing healthcare. “In a time of crisis, the world must choose transformation over retreat,” said Ms Byanyima. “Together, we can still end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030—if we act with urgency, unity, and unwavering commitment.” This World AIDS Day, join us in calling for sustained political leadership, international cooperation, and human-rights-centred approaches to end AIDS by 2030. There are many actions, one can take to prevent the transmission of HIV to others, as the famous quote says “Prevention is better than cure”. The important preventions are: Get tested and treated for STDs, Safe intercourse, Abstinence from unhygienic practice such as sharing needles, Get tested for HIV, Usage of HIV prevention medicines such as pre-and post-exposure prophylaxis. The world can end AIDS – if everyone’s rights are protected. It is suggested that HIV education should be part of curriculum among all levels of education and religious institutions should play positive role in preventing HIV/AIDS. December 1, 2025, marks the 37th World AIDS Day, a global observance dedicated to raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, supporting those living with the virus, and remembering the millions who have lost their lives. As the world grapples with the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, this year’s theme, “Rethink. Rebuild. Rise.”, urges communities, governments, and individuals to come together to address inequalities, strengthen health systems, and combat stigma. The theme of World AIDS Day 2025 emphasizes three key actions: (i) Rethink: Challenge outdated narratives and invest in innovative prevention and treatment strategies.
(ii) Rebuild: Strengthen public health systems and rebuild trust, especially in marginalized communities.
(iii) Rise: Stand against stigma, discrimination, and inequalities fueling the epidemic.This theme aligns with UNAIDS’ 2030 goal to end AIDS as a public health threat, focusing on achieving 95% of people with HIV knowing their status, 95% on treatment, and 95% virally suppressed. The key challenges and opportunities are:
(a) Stigma, Discrimination: Misconceptions and fear hinder testing and treatment.
(b) Healthcare Access: Inequalities in access to ART and prevention tools persist, especially in low-income countries.
(c) Funding Gaps: Sustained investment is critical to reach vulnerable populations.
(d) Emerging Solutions: Advances in pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and vaccine research offer hope. We can contribute by involving ourselves:
(i) Get Tested: Know your status and encourage others to do the same.
(ii) Wear the Red Ribbon: Show solidarity and raise awareness.
(iii) Support Campaigns: Donate to organizations, participate in local events, or amplify messages on social media.
(iv) Advocate: Push for policies that ensure equitable healthcare access. World AIDS Day 2025 is more than a commemoration—it’s a call to action. By rethinking our approach, rebuilding resilient systems, and rising against inequalities, we can accelerate progress toward ending the epidemic.
As the world unites, let’s ensure that healthcare is a right, not a privilege, and that no one is left behind in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The major religions of the world provide HIV/AIDS prevention strategies based on the moral teachings. Islam guides to avoid strictly sexual activity outside marriage and refrain from drug use, the main causes of HIV/AIDS. In brief, World AIDS Day, is a powerful reminder that HIV/AIDS remains a major health issue worldwide. It’s a day to unite people worldwide in the fight against the epidemic, promote prevention, testing, and treatment, and advocate for the rights of those affected. The red ribbon, a universal symbol of awareness and support, represents solidarity with people living with HIV.
( while Dr Bilal A Bhat is Professor & Head (Agri. Econ & Statistics, FOA at S K University Of Agriculture Sciences & Technology Kashmir SKUAST-K, Srinagar, J&K, Bazila Manzoor the co-author is a freelancer. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the authors and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”)
