World AIDS Day 2023
PORT DICKSON 5th Dec 2023 – WORLD AIDS DAY.
Today 1st Dec 2023, UCSI Hospital Bandar Springhill PD observes the 35th World AIDS Day, an important day where the world comes together in solidarity to remember those that were lost and those living affected by HIV/AIDS.
World AIDS Day is observed every year on 1st December to spread awareness about HIV/AIDS and here are some facts surrounding the disease.
About 37.7 million people are living with HIV around the world in 2020. An estimated 680,000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses in 2020, and an estimated 36.3 million people have died from AIDS-related illnesses since the start of the epidemic.
At the end of year 2021, there were estimated 81,942 people live with HIV (PLHIV) in Malaysia, 67,822 (83%) of whom are aware of their status and had been notified through the Malaysia National Surveillance System. By December 2021, 66% of the reported PLHIV are receiving antiretroviral treatment (ART).
So, let’s understand HIV and AIDS, let’s start with what is HIV?
HIV is an abbreviation for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. A person who carries the HIV virus is classified as “HIV-positive”. HIV attaches to and destroys certain blood cells which are a very important part of the immune system. The immune system is weakened, and the body is unable to fight off infections. HIV can remain hidden in the body for many years. Medicine can slow down the process and help patients live longer and maintain a healthier lifestyle.
So, what is AIDS? AIDS is an abbreviation for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. It is the condition when HIV infection is at the most advanced stage and the body’s immune system is too weak to fight off infections.
At UCSI Hospital Bandar Springhill PD, we believe in preventing sexual transmission of HIV by using condoms correctly, reducing the number of sexual partners and knowing your partner’s HIV status. Remember, testing does not protect you from HIV. Changes in your behavior do. For most HIV infected people, it can take between 2 and 12 weeks (sometimes up to 6 months) to develop enough antibodies to get a positive result. UCSI Hospital Bandar Springhill PD encourages people between 13 and 64 years of age to undergo HIV tests at least once as a part of our routine check-up.
Contact UCSI Hospital Bandar Springhill PD at +606-648 8888 (Main)/ +606-648 8999 (Emergency) for more details, and speak to our medical care professionals today at UCSI Hospital Bandar Springhill PD.
