World AIDS Day: Supporting HIV fighters

CAIRO – 1 December 2017: The first of December every year marks World AIDS Day. The day provides a chance for people worldwide to show solidarity and support for people living with AIDS.

According to the World Health Organization, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a term which applies to the most advanced stages of HIV infection. It is defined by the occurrence of any of more than 20 opportunistic infections or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) related cancers.

The Egyptian Ministry of Health said that it has provided 100 percent of the needed HIV medicine in 15 specialized institutes in the country for free.

Khaled Megahed, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Health, said that the strategic stock for HIV medicine in Egypt is enough for one year; assuring that patients’ identities remain confidential when receiving their medications.

He added that the number of people living with HIV in Egypt since 1986 is 10,000 patients, which is considered 0.01 percent of the world’s HIV patients, according to the United Nations and the World Health Organization.

The hashtag #WorldAIDSDay topped Twitter’s trends on Friday. People from all over the world tweeted their support.

The WHO tweeted, “In mid-2017, 20.9 million people living with HIV were receiving antiretroviral therapy globally.”

#WorldAIDSDay: In mid-2017, 20.9 million people living with #HIV were receiving antiretroviral therapy globally https://t.co/g7LF9P6lGO #EverybodyCounts pic.twitter.com/8Vikfxnie9

— WHO (@WHO) ١ ديسمبر، ٢٠١٧

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrived in Nottingham Contemporary Exhibition Centre for an event to mark World AIDS Day; in their first official visit together since announcing their engagement.

Today Prince Harry and Ms. Markle learn how @THTorguk are working in Nottingham to provide support to people living with HIV and AIDS. pic.twitter.com/FJKUvhkROW

— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) ١ ديسمبر، ٢٠١٧

French President Emanuel Macron tweeted; “Prevent, track, continue to treat.”

Prévenir, dépister, continuer à soigner. #WorldAIDSDay pic.twitter.com/y2VTZitiOY

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) ١ ديسمبر، ٢٠١٧

On #WorldAIDSDay, we remember those we’ve lost to the virus and vow to keep working to end HIV/AIDS for good. https://t.co/V6G2QRgFlT

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) ١ ديسمبر، ٢٠١٧

In a world where lifesaving treatment exists, no child should die because of AIDS https://t.co/wr7D93dmGu #WorldAIDSDay pic.twitter.com/sT1nnxuhn5

— UNICEF (@UNICEF) ١ ديسمبر، ٢٠١٧

1.9 million adults became infected with #HIV last year. The world must take immediate action to close the #HIVprevention gap. #worldaidsday pic.twitter.com/VttU9GOyE9

— UNAIDS (@UNAIDS) ١ ديسمبر، ٢٠١٦

Today is #WorldAidsDay. Many months ago @NaomiCampbell called me to ask if I would design a t-shirt with her to raise awareness and support for all those living with or affected by HIV. All net proceeds benefit @UNAIDS. You can buy this t-shirt here: https://t.co/4uR8osSBSN pic.twitter.com/1qIStB72tr

— Marc Jacobs (@themarcjacobs) ١ ديسمبر، ٢٠١٧

Founded in 1988, World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day.