Date, history, significance, and quotes

World AIDS Vaccine Day 2021: Date, history, significance, and quotes

World AIDS vaccine day is observed each year on May 18 across the globe. The day is commemorated to recognize the efforts of thousands of scientists and health professionals who are tirelessly working to find a vaccine against the Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The day is also addressed as HIV Vaccine Awareness Day, which is aimed at increasing awareness regarding the need for HIV vaccines to prevent the spread of HIV infection and AIDS.

World AIDS Vaccine Day 2021 history and significance

World AIDS Vaccine Day is a day to honour those healthcare workers, scientists, and volunteers who have contributed their lives in order to obtain an effective and safe AIDS vaccine. The day was celebrated in May 1998 for the first time after President Bill Clinton gave a speech at Morgan State University in 1997 where he stated that a vaccine was the only way to limit the spread and eventually wipe out HIV.

HIV carries on to be a serious global public health issue with an estimated population of 38 million living with HIV at the end of 2019. However, with advanced access to effective HIV prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care, HIV infection has become a controllable chronic health condition, allowing people living with HIV to have healthy and long lives.

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