The facts about this disease are shocking, around 36 million people have died from it worldwide since the 1980s! The disease is most threatening in Africa, but it is also a growing problem in Europe, despite many campaigns about it.

The symbol of this day is the red ribbon. People in solidarity with those infected with HIV and AIDS wear it on their clothes on this day.

on 1 December, conferences, meetings, social actions and cultural events are held all over the world to talk about prevention, the fight against AIDS and support for the sick.

The biggest problem is the low detection rate of the disease, due to too few people being tested for HIV. Medicines that make it easier for AIDS patients to function on a daily basis already exist. The disease is no longer a sentence. Provided that the patient finds out early enough about the infection. Therefore, testing is crucial not only in high-risk groups, but in the general population.

In Poland, 17 773 cases of HIV infection have been registered since 1985. However, it is estimated that in our country as many as 50-70% of people infected are unaware of it. By comparison, in Western European countries, only 25% are unaware of their infection. So the proportions are reversed.

How to protect yourself from AIDS?

AIDS is an infectious disease caused by the HIV virus, still incurable at the moment. It impairs the body's immune system, increasing susceptibility to disease and making even a simple flu or cold fatal.

In order to protect yourself from this dangerous disease, it is important to take appropriate protective measures so as not to expose yourself to infection.

Safety can be ensured by sexual abstinence or cohabitation with one healthy partner who also strictly adheres to this rule. The risk of contracting HIV through sexual intercourse with multiple partners can be reduced by using good-quality condoms and also by using contraceptive vaginal globules, which contain, among other things, a spermicide and virucidal agent.

For injections and blood draws, it is best to use disposable needles and syringes, which should be destroyed after use so that no one can use them again.

It is worth remembering to follow these rules and to get tested for HIV, even if you are not at high risk. HIV is not a sentence, provided you find out early enough about your infection.