World AIDS Vaccine Day 2021: 'Global solidarity, shared responsibility'

Every year May 18 is celebrated as World AIDS vaccine day to acknowledge the efforts of thousands of scientists and health professionals who are working relentlessly on finding a vaccine against the Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This day is also observed to create awareness about HIV and to emphasise the urgent need for the development of a vaccine.

HIV/AIDS is one of the most destructive global health issues to have affected mankind. This infection spreads from an infected person to another through sharing needles, blood, having unprotected sex and from mother to child during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

World AIDS Vaccine Day was celebrated for the first time in May 1998. Currently, there is no cure other than anti-retro viral treatment (ART) which can help in slowing the replication of the virus. The development of a safe and effective vaccine will go a long way in protecting people from getting infected with HIV.