The Current Meaning and Awareness of World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day is a reminder that concerns not only HIV-positive individuals but the entire community.
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remain significant public health issues.
• Early diagnosis, prevention, combating stigma, and sexual health awareness are not only individual responsibilities but also societal duties.
•    Prevention methods (condoms, monogamy, use of sterile equipment, safe blood products, etc.) are extremely important; these measures protect both the individual and the community.
•    The healthcare system must maintain accessibility and reliability in the areas of diagnosis, testing, treatment, counseling, and protection.
Therefore, today is an important day to take steps towards education, awareness, and protection, not only for “HIV/AIDS” but for all sexually transmitted diseases.
HIV/AIDS – Basic Medical Information & Risks
People infected with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) are referred to as “individuals living with HIV.” AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is the condition that occurs after HIV weakens the immune system, leading to the onset of one or more diseases.
 
HIV infection has been seen worldwide since the 1980s. As with other sexually transmitted diseases, it is most commonly transmitted through unprotected sexual contact of any kind, sharing needles among intravenous drug users, transfusion of HIV-infected blood and blood products, and from mother to child during pregnancy, during childbirth, or through breastfeeding after birth. HIV infection can occur in all age groups. Although there is no definitive cure for the disease, drug treatments have reduced deaths from HIV/AIDS. The 2025 Report of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) estimates that in 2024, approximately 1.3 million people worldwide will be infected with HIV and 630,000 people will die from HIV/AIDS-related causes. In our country, with increased awareness of HIV/AIDS and testing opportunities, there has been a relative increase in the number of diagnosed HIV/AIDS cases. However, Turkey is still considered one of the countries with a low incidence of HIV/AIDS worldwide. In our country, from 1985 to November 10, 2025, there were 54,472 HIV-positive individuals and 2,629 AIDS cases reported with positive confirmation tests. Of the total HIV and AIDS cases, 82.1% were men, 17.9% were women, and 15.5% were foreign nationals. Cases are most prevalent in the 25-29 and 30-34 age groups, respectively.
 
CYBE – The Role & Danger of Other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Besides HIV
While focusing on HIV is important, other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) should not be overlooked: STIs (chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, trichomoniasis, etc.) are quite common worldwide, with millions of cases reported daily.  These infections can become chronic, especially if left undiagnosed or if symptoms are mild or silent; they can lead to serious consequences such as fertility problems, pregnancy and childbirth complications, newborn problems, and genital cancer risk. Most of these infections are treatable, yes; but the fact that they are treatable can also lead to a misconception that facilitates their spread. STIs that are silent and asymptomatic can cause many complications, ranging from reproductive health problems to organ damage. The presence of STIs increases the risk of HIV transmission: mucosal changes and inflammation caused by sexually transmitted infections can facilitate HIV entry into the body.     
 From a public health perspective, the real problem is not just the number of cases: it is invisibility, delayed diagnosis, insufficient awareness, and ongoing social stigma. When these four components come together, they can create fertile ground for silent spread among the youngest and most active segments of society.