HIV Vaccine Awareness Day

Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Dec 22, 2023 By Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Originally Published on Mar 19, 2022
Fact-checked by Nishtha Dixit
Everyone should know about HIV Vaccine Awareness Day

Where is HIV Vaccine Awareness Day observed?

The day is marked worldwide to promote more awareness about HIV and its vaccination. Even though the day is observed worldwide, it is mainly observed in the US.

Who is HIV Vaccine Awareness Day observed by?

The day is observed by people who are tied to preventive HIV vaccine research and people who are concerned about AIDS research.

When did HIV Vaccine Awareness Day first start?

The day was initiated in 1998.

Who started HIV Vaccine Awareness Day?

National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is behind this day.

History And Timeline

As you may know, HIV/AIDS poses a great threat when it comes to worldwide health due to it turning into an epidemic. A turning point for it can be the discovery of a preventive vaccine.

And research has been taking place for more than 20 years to develop the vaccine. So, let's learn a bit about the history of this ailment.

Official Reporting Of AIDS

It was the first time AIDS was officially reported in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), but as the severe pneumocystis carinii pneumonia(PCP) infection.

1981

Use Of Term AIDS

In September, CDC used the term AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) for the first time.

1982

National Committee Is Created

The National Commission on AIDS was created by US Congress, and the first meeting was held in September.

1989

Start Of Vaccine Research

International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) is formed to develop a possible preventive HIV vaccine.

1966

HIV-To-HIV Kidney Transplant

In the Johns Hopkins Medical Center of Baltimore, the surgeons successfully performed the first HIV-to-HIV kidney transplant in the US using a living donor.

2019

Traditions And Customs

There are no particular traditions or customs attached to this day. But, people who are attached to preventive HIV vaccine research take this opportunity to thank people like volunteers, researchers, scientists, and doctors who are working towards achieving the goal of creating HIV vaccines.

The day is also observed by hosting awareness drives to let more people know about HIV.

Ways To Observe HIV Vaccine Awareness Day

If you have never heard about AIDS research related to the HIV vaccine, you can use this day to learn about its importance.

Furthermore, suppose you're a teacher or work with teenagers and college students. In that case, this day can be an excellent occasion to educate them about HIV, its prevention, and how scientists are trying to research and develop a preventive vaccine for HIV.

You can also choose to attend any event hosted by a health facility or the government to bring awareness among people regarding the HIV vaccine.

Facts And Stats

  • Till now, there's no cure for HIV; rather, the treatment is mostly based on prevention. Hence, this day promotes information on preventative measures.
  • By 2020, the estimated number of people affected by HIV worldwide was around 30.2–45.1 million. This day is meant for those people.
  • About two-thirds of the people impacted by AIDS and HIV are present in Africa; the major population celebrating this day comes from Africa.

Who encouraged the celebration of HIV Vaccine Awareness Day?

National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) encourages the day.

What is the importance of celebrating HIV Vaccine Awareness Day?

The day helps to thank scientists, doctors, researchers, and volunteers who have come forward to develop the HIV vaccine.

How do families celebrate HIV Vaccine Awareness Day?

Families can celebrate the day by reading up about HIV/AIDS and educating the children about ongoing research.

How does HIV Vaccine Awareness Day affect people psychologically?

The day helps to fight against stigma regarding HIV and helps more people know about research regarding vaccines.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Monday, May 18, 2020
  • Tuesday, May 18, 2021
  • Saturday, June 18, 2022
  • Thursday, May 18, 2023
  • Saturday, May 18, 2024

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Written by Rajnandini Roychoudhury

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

Rajnandini Roychoudhury picture

Rajnandini RoychoudhuryBachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

With a Master of Arts in English, Rajnandini has pursued her passion for the arts and has become an experienced content writer. She has worked with companies such as Writer's Zone and has had her writing skills recognized by publications such as The Telegraph. Rajnandini is also trilingual and enjoys various hobbies such as music, movies, travel, philanthropy, writing her blog, and reading classic British literature. 

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Fact-checked by Nishtha Dixit

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature

Nishtha Dixit picture

Nishtha DixitBachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature

Nishtha is an experienced SEO writer and editor, with a passion for writing and self-expression. She is currently pursuing an undergraduate major in Literature and Communication and a minor in Political Science from the University of Delhi. Nishtha has completed a certificate master course in English from the British Council and has been appointed as the editor for the bi-monthly magazine of the University of Delhi.

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