A boy named Akash’s life was cheerful and happy. His brilliance on the football field, his loud presence in the chats of his friends – everything was full of vitality. But in a cruel twist of fate, his colorful life suddenly turned gray. When he found out that he was HIV positive, it was as if the ground had moved from under his feet. Akash was stunned, as if the whole world had collapsed before his eyes.
But the misconceptions and fears that exist in society about this disease made Akash’s life even more difficult. Some of those who were once his friends started avoiding him. Akash could see the fear and hatred in the eyes of society, which was more painful than his physical suffering.
Akash was undergoing treatment, but along with the disease, loneliness was eating him up from within. He wanted to mingle with his friends, laugh, and play like before. He understood that AIDS was not only a physical disease, but also an invisible stigma in the eyes of society. During this difficult time, Akash’s family was by his side, which gave him some strength. But it was very difficult to fight against the misconceptions and prejudices of society.
World AIDS Day is observed every year on December 1. This day has been observed every year since 1988 to raise awareness about the global HIV/AIDS pandemic, to support those affected and to remember those who have died from the disease.The international theme for this day in 2025 is: “Overcoming barriers, transforming the AIDS response” (National AIDS Day, World AIDS Day).
AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Virus) is a disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which gradually destroys the body’s immune system.This virus mainly attacks a type of white blood cell called T-cells, which are an important part of the immune system.Over time, the virus destroys these cells and the body loses its ability to fight infections and diseases.When the immune system is severely weakened, the symptoms of AIDS appear.
The main ways in which the HIV virus is spread are: Unprotected sex with an HIV-positive person.Ingestion of contaminated blood or blood products.Sharing needles or syringes between drug users.From an HIV-infected mother during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding.
It is important to remember that AIDS is not spread through everyday social interactions, such as hugging or shaking hands, using the same toilet or bathroom, using the same dishes, or by mosquitoes or other insects.
The history of AIDS dates back to the late 20th century, although the HIV virus had been present in humans for much longer.The main stages in the history of AIDS are as follows: Scientists believe that HIV was first transmitted to humans from chimpanzees in West Africa in the 1920s.The chimpanzees carried a virus called simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), which adapted to humans and became HIV. It is thought that this interspecies transmission occurred through humans hunting and eating chimpanzees. The virus slowly spread throughout Africa over several decades and later to Haiti and other regions, but during this time the disease went unnoticed by doctors.
On June 5, 1981, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported in their weekly report that a rare type of pneumonia called Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCIP) had been identified in five gay men in Los Angeles.This pneumonia usually only occurs in people with severely weakened immune systems.Shortly thereafter, rare cases of a skin cancer called Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) were also reported in gay men in New York and other cities in California.Doctors realized that a new immune-destructive disease was spreading, initially called “gay-related immune deficiency” (GID).
In September 1982, the disease was officially named Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, or AIDS (AIDS).
In 1983, scientists at the Pasteur Institute in France—led by Luc Montagnier (born 1983)—were able to isolate the first virus responsible for AIDS.They named it lymphadenopathy-associated virus (LAV).
In 1984, Dr. Robert Gallo (born 1986) of the National Cancer Institute of the United States confirmed that this virus was the cause of AIDS and named it human T-lymphotropic virus type 111 (HTLV-111). It was later confirmed that HTLV and HTLV-111 were the same virus, now known as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Global pandemic and medical advances (Mid-1980s to present).In the mid-1980s, the AIDS pandemic reached a global scale.
In 1985, the first HIV detection test (HIV-1) became available, allowing for blood supply screening and diagnosis.
In 1987, the first antiviral drug, zidovudine (Tarfranil or atazanavir), was approved for use.
The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) or combination therapy in 1996 brought about a revolution in AIDS treatment.This therapy enabled HIV-positive people to live long, healthy lives and dramatically reduced the transmission of the virus.
At the end of 2024, the total number of people infected worldwide — 40.8 million.Total new infections — 91.4 million.Total deaths — 44.1 million.New infections — 1.3 million.Women and children infected — About 45% of new infections are among women and children.The rate of new infections is also decreasing each year.The most severe impact of the AIDS epidemic is seen in the World Health Organization’s African region, where about 3.1% of adults are infected with HIV.
AIDS statistics in Bangladesh — According to the latest data from the Department of Health and UNAIDS, a total of 12,422 people have been diagnosed with AIDS in Bangladesh since the first HIV patient was identified in 1989, and 2,281 of them have died.Experts estimate that there are currently about 16,863 people living with HIV in the country, many of whom are still undiagnosed.

Data for 2024 in Bangladesh (up to November) — New infections — 1,438 (Of which 149 are Rohingya).Deaths — 195. Although the HIV infection rate in Bangladesh is below 0.1% among the general population, this rate is relatively high among certain vulnerable populations.Although the number of AIDS cases in Bangladesh has increased, the number of deaths from this disease has decreased.

Several rumors and misconceptions about AIDS are prevalent in society. Some of the most common rumors and their correct information are given below:
Rumor 1: Only homosexuals or people of certain communities get AIDS. Truth: HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), which causes AIDS, can affect anyone, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, race or religion. It is a viral disease, not a community disease. Rumor 2: AIDS is a contagious disease, spread through eating together, shaking hands or coughing and sneezing. Truth: HIV is not highly contagious. It is usually spread through unprotected sex with an infected person.Through blood or blood products.By sharing injection syringes or needles. From an infected mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding.The virus is not spread through common daily activities such as eating together, using the same toilet, shaking hands, or coughing/sneezing. Myth 3: AIDS is spread by the bite of a mosquito or other insect. True — The virus cannot be propagated in the salivary glands of mosquitoes, so HIV is not spread by mosquito bites. Myth 4: Talking to or touching a person with AIDS can cause the disease. True — There is no need to be afraid of coming into contact with AIDS patients. There is no need to maintain social distancing. Myth 5: AIDS is not curable, so there is no point in getting tested. True — Although HIV is not completely curable, it is possible to keep the virus under control using modern antiretroviral therapy (ART). With proper treatment and regular medication, people with AIDS can live a normal and long life. Myth 6: AIDS means sinful. Truth — AIDS is not a sin or punishment for immoral behavior, but rather a medically sound disease.

The views of different religions on AIDS are: Overall, in most major religions around the world, religious leaders and organizations recognize HIV/AIDS as a public health problem and are actively working to end discrimination, provide preventive education, and treat and support patients.

The story of Akash in the introduction to this article reminds us how much we need compassion and support for people living with AIDS. The emotional pain they go through, along with the physical pain, can only be alleviated through love and compassion. Society should be informed about AIDS and help people live normal lives, not hate.

Currently, the risk of AIDS has been greatly reduced by the mandatory blood testing before blood transfusion. AIDS is considered a chronic but controllable health problem, and efforts are ongoing around the world to prevent and cure it. HIV infection can be prevented through awareness and adopting a safe lifestyle. People living with HIV should be shown compassion and disseminated accurate information so that they can receive the necessary medical care.

Author: Dr. Md. Anwar Hossain, Essayist, Writer and President of the International Anti-Drug Organization – Freedom International Anti-Alcohol. E-Mail Address: eddanwar@gmail.com