BY WINNIE KENDI MUTURI
World Aids vaccine Day also referred to as HIV vaccine day, is celebrated every year on May 18. According to World Health Organisation (WHO) reports, 40.1 million people have died from HIV infections.
The event is an opportunity to educate communities about the importance of preventive HIV vaccine research
The ceremony recognizes and respects the efforts of researchers, scientists, healthcare professionals, and volunteers who are committed to discovering the vaccine.
According to BQ Prime, the first ceremony for World AIDS vaccine day was held on May 18 in 1998 on the anniversary of a speech of the former US Head of State Bill Clinton which declared that “only a truly effective, preventive HIV vaccine can limit and eventually eliminate the threat of AIDS.”
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases which is part f of the US National Institute of Health fixed the day.
The purpose of this day is to stress the urgent need for a vaccine to curb HIV/AIDS and to recognize the researchers, scientists, and participants associated with HIV vaccine research.
It gives hope to the HIV/AIDS vaccine contenders and scientists that one day nearly in the future, a safe vaccine will be at hand.
It unites researchers, policymakers, healthcare professionals, community organizations, and victims of HIV/AIDS to join forces, share understanding, and campaign with the target of curbing the pandemic of HIV/AIDS, through the development and extensive distribution of productive vaccines.
Events and activities that comprise public lectures, seminars, and panel discussions are organized by various organizations, communities, and research institutions with the goal of strengthening dialogue, sharing understanding, and initiating HIV vaccine research support.