World Aids Day: Remebering celebrities we have lost to HIV
As the world commemorates World Aids Day, we look back at some of the stars we have lost to the virus.
This Sunday, 01 December is World Aids Day.
The first World AIDS Day took place in 1988. The day raises awareness about the chronic condition that has killed millions of people around the world.
Since its discovery, leaders worldwide have done much to reduce the number of lives the epidemic destroys.
"Since the beginning of the epidemic, 88.4 million [71.3–112.8 million] people have been infected with the HIV virus and about 42.3 million [35.7–51.1 million] people have died of HIV," reports the World Health Organization.
The South African government states that 'the total number of people living with HIV (PLWHIV) is estimated at approximately 8,45 million in 2022'.
HIV/AIDS is transmitted through the exchange of body fluids ( blood, breast milk, semen, and vaginal secretions) from people living with the virus.
READ: World AIDS Day: Celebrities living with HIV/AIDS
Lowering the risk of infection
- To decrease the chances of being infected with HIV/ AIDS, it is advisable to abstain from sex or practice safe sex. Use a condom when engaging in sexual activity. Condoms decrease the per-contact probability of male-to-female transmission of HIV by about 95%, states the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
- Use HIV prevention medicines such as PrEP or PEP.
- Do not share needles.
- For women living with HIV, it is important to note that HIV transmission can occur during pregnancy, birth, or through breastfeeding and it is important to talk to your health practitioner who would offer the right medication to minimise the chances of you infecting your child with the virus.
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Treatment
HIV/AIDS is not a death sentence. You can still live a long and healthy life if you take medication.
HIV is treated with antiretroviral medicines.
Government clinics offer free HIV/ AIDS medication.
Celebrities who have died due to HIV/AIDS-related issues
Freddie Mercury
Freddie Mercury, the frontman of rock band Queen, died on November 24, 1991, due to bronchial pneumonia caused by AIDS, reports History.com.
Lesego Motsepe
South African actress Lesego Motsepe publicly announced that she had been living with HIV/AIDS in 2011. She made the announcement on World Aids Day.
The actor died on 21 January 2014.
Tebogo Ndlovu
South African singer and songwriter Zombo, real name Tebogo Ndlovu, died on 17 February 2008.
He disclosed his HIV status weeks before his death.
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