The global challenge of HIV/AIDS remains one of the most pressing public health issues today. According to the latest data from UNAIDS, around 38.4 million people worldwide are living with HIV/AIDS, underlining the need for not only medical intervention but also comprehensive awareness, education, and social change. Despite the significant strides made in treatment and prevention, the confusion surrounding the relationship between HIV and AIDS still persists.

Young people have become influential advocates in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Research from UNICEF shows that youth-led initiatives can lower HIV transmission rates by as much as 45% in targeted communities. These young activists utilize digital platforms and peer-to-peer education to dispel myths, promote safe practices, and foster supportive environments for those affected by HIV/AIDS.

Dr Gowri Kulkarni, an expert in Internal Medicine, explains that while the terms HIV and AIDS are often used interchangeably, they are distinctly different. "HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system, whereas AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is a condition that occurs when HIV severely damages the immune system," she clarifies. To understand the implications of these differences, it's important to explore the fundamental distinctions between the two.

1. HIV is a Virus; AIDS is a Syndrome

HIV is the virus responsible for attacking the body’s immune system, specifically targeting CD4 cells, which are crucial for the body’s defense against infections. As HIV progresses, it destroys these cells, weakening the immune system over time. If left untreated, this continuous damage can lead to AIDS.

AIDS, on the other hand, is a syndrome, not a virus. Dr Kulkarni further elaborates that AIDS is a collection of symptoms and illnesses that emerge when the immune system is severely compromised due to prolonged HIV infection. It represents the most advanced stage of HIV, and is characterized by very low CD4 counts or the onset of opportunistic infections like tuberculosis, pneumonia, or certain cancers.

2. Not Everyone with HIV Develops AIDS

A key distinction to remember is that not everyone with HIV will progress to AIDS. Thanks to advancements in medicine, particularly antiretroviral therapy (ART), individuals living with HIV can manage the virus and maintain a healthy immune system for many years, or even decades, without ever developing AIDS. ART works by suppressing the virus to undetectable levels, effectively preventing the damage HIV would otherwise cause to the immune system.

Without treatment, however, HIV progresses through three stages:

- Acute HIV Infection: This stage occurs shortly after transmission and may include symptoms like fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes.

- Chronic HIV Infection: Often asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic, the virus continues to damage the immune system but at a slower rate.

- AIDS: This is the final stage, marked by severe immune damage and the presence of infections that take advantage of the compromised immune defenses.

3. HIV is Transmissible; AIDS is Not

Another key distinction between HIV and AIDS is the way in which they are transmitted. HIV is highly contagious and can be transmitted through the exchange of bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. It is primarily spread through unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles, or from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding.

AIDS, however, is not transmissible. It is not a disease that can be passed from one person to another. Rather, AIDS is the result of untreated, advanced HIV infection and is a direct consequence of the virus’s damage to the immune system.

4. Diagnosis Methods Differ

HIV and AIDS are diagnosed through different methods. HIV is diagnosed through blood tests or oral swabs that detect the presence of the virus or antibodies produced by the immune system in response to the virus. Early detection of HIV is crucial, as it allows for timely intervention and treatment, which can prevent the virus from progressing to AIDS.

AIDS, on the other hand, is diagnosed using more specific criteria. Dr Kulkarni notes that the diagnosis of AIDS is made when the individual’s CD4 cell count falls below 200 cells/mm³, or when opportunistic infections or certain cancers (such as Kaposi's sarcoma or lymphoma) are detected. Diagnosing AIDS involves a more thorough assessment of the individual’s immune function and overall health, as opposed to just the detection of HIV.

5. Treatment Goals Are Different

The treatment goals for HIV and AIDS differ significantly, although both involve antiretroviral therapy (ART). For HIV, the primary treatment goal is to suppress the virus to undetectable levels, thus maintaining a strong immune system and preventing further transmission of the virus. People living with HIV can often live long, healthy lives if they adhere to ART.

For individuals diagnosed with AIDS, the treatment plan becomes more complex. While ART remains an essential part of managing the virus, treatment for AIDS also focuses on addressing the opportunistic infections and secondary health complications associated with severe immune suppression. The goal of treatment for AIDS is not only to manage the HIV virus but also to improve the quality of life and extend survival by treating these secondary health issues.

Role of Community Engagement in Combatting HIV/AIDS

While the medical community has made great strides in managing HIV, the battle to curb its transmission is also a social and cultural issue. Dr Daman Ahuja, a public health expert, highlights that HIV/AIDS awareness and education are vital to reducing transmission rates and supporting those affected by the virus. "Young people, especially, have become key advocates in the fight against HIV/AIDS," says Dr Ahuja. "Research from UNICEF shows that youth-led initiatives can lower HIV transmission rates by as much as 45% in targeted communities."

Additionally, grassroots activism plays a significant role in raising awareness and addressing stigma. As the World Health Organization reports, community-based interventions have been proven to increase HIV testing rates and improve treatment adherence, which are crucial in the fight against the pandemic.

The ultimate goal of organizations like UNAIDS is to eliminate the HIV/AIDS pandemic by 2030. Achieving this requires global collaboration, from medical treatment advancements to public health strategies, education, and advocacy. Dr Kulkarni’s insight underscores the importance of early detection, treatment adherence, and community support in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Dr Gowri Kulkarni is Head of Medical Operations at MediBuddy and Dr Daman Ahuja, a public health expert and has been associated with Red Ribbon Express Project of NACO between 2007-12.

Now, drinking beer too could increase the risk of mouth cancer. On Tuesday, researchers at the Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) reported this adding new evidence. They found a 59 per cent higher risk of mouth cancer in people who drank, on average, just two grams of alcohol from beer daily, compared with those who did not drink. The research suggests that there may not be any safe limit to drink.

What Did The Study Reveal About Beer And Cancer?

Their study in India's large scale analysis that probs link between alcohol and cancer of the buccal mucosa. This is the pink lining of cheeks and lips. In India, this kind of cancer is the second most common malignancy in India after breast cancer. It also leads to 1,40,000 new cases and nearly 80,000 deaths each year.

Who Are More Prone To Buccal Mucosa Cancer?

People who consume more than one glass of alcohol a day and chew tobacco on a day to day basis are five times more at risk of developing this cancer as compared to those who do not drink or chew tobacco.

The findings of the study was published in the journal BMJ Global Health and it suggests that joint use of both, alcohol and tobacco leads to 62 per cent of all buccal mucosa cancer in the country.

As Telegraph reported, Tata Memorial Centre for Cancer Epidemiology unit's head of molecular epidemiology and population genomics unit Sharayu Mhatre said, "We see an unmistakable pattern: the more alcohol people drink, the greater their risk of buccal mucosal cancer."

Buccal mucosal cancer continues to pose a serious public health challenge in India. Among 100 patients diagnosed with locally advanced stages of the disease, 57 die within five years, a mortality rate that experts say highlights the urgent need for prevention, early detection, and stronger regulation of risk factors.

Alcohol Emerges as a Major Risk Factor

While the link between alcohol and cancer is well known, new findings reinforce just how dangerous alcohol consumption can be for oral health. Researchers found that people who consumed alcohol had a 68% higher risk of developing buccal mucosal cancer compared to non-drinkers.

What stood out most was the type of alcohol consumed. Unregulated, locally brewed liquor carried the highest risk, increasing cancer likelihood by 87%, compared to 72% among consumers of regulated, commercially sold drinks. Experts point out that these local brews often contain significantly higher ethanol concentrations and lack quality control.

Not Just Heavy Drinking—Even Small Amounts Matter

The study analyzed drinking patterns among over 3,700 participants, comparing cancer patients with healthy individuals. Alcohol types ranged from beer and spirits like whisky and vodka to traditional local drinks such as bangla and tharra. Ethanol levels varied widely—from 5% in beer to as high as 90% in some locally distilled spirits.

Alarmingly, increased cancer risk was seen even at low levels of alcohol intake. As little as two grams of alcohol a day from beer, or roughly one glass of stronger liquor, was enough to raise concern.

Alcohol and Tobacco: A Dangerous Combination

The risk escalates dramatically when alcohol use is combined with tobacco chewing. Tobacco alone raised cancer risk by 200%, alcohol alone by 76%, but together, the risk shot up to 346%. Researchers explain that alcohol may damage the mouth’s protective lining, making it easier for tobacco-related carcinogens to penetrate and cause harm.

Health experts stress that these findings underline the need for greater public awareness, stricter monitoring of locally brewed alcohol, and stronger prevention strategies. The World Health Organization has already warned that no level of alcohol is safe, noting that even light or moderate drinking contributes to a significant number of alcohol-related cancers globally.

For India, where oral cancers remain widespread, these insights serve as a critical reminder: everyday habits can have life-altering consequences.

Delhi finds itself in a little relief as the AQI of the city has dropped to 221 as per the CAQM. GRAP IV restrictions have also been lifted, however, pollution and smog continues to take over the city. The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for the next few days, which could affect road and air traffic.

While GRAP IV is now removed, measures under GRAP I, II, and III will continue. As per the IMD forecast, this is what could happen for the next 5 days in Delhi

• December 26: Dense fog will prevail in the morning. Visibility is likely to be low.
• December 27: Yellow alert, dense fog in the morning and afternoon.
• December 28: Yellow alert, moderate to dense fog expected in the early morning.
• December 29-30: Fog will reduce slightly, but moderate haze will prevail in the morning.

Union Transport Minister On Delhi's Pollution

Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways also highlighted the alarming conditions of Delhi's smog and pollution. He said, "I stay for hardly two days in Delhi, and get an infection," as he spoke on how pollution impacts one's health conditions. However, he did speak on the severity of pollution and highlighted how the transport sector could play a huge role to bring relief to Delhi.

He highlighted that fuel combustion and transport emission leads to most of Delhi pollution.

In an interview with the news agency ANI, the minister also said that his ministry and Central Government are working on several projects and initiatives that will free Delhi from air pollution in the next five years.

Gadkari stated that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is undertaking projects worth Rs 1 lakh crore in Delhi to ease traffic congestion. He stated that all these efforts will not only help free Delhi of air pollution but also reduce the country's imports, increase job opportunities, and help farmers.

Electric Buses, Cars, and Scooters

The minister highlighted that 40% of the air pollution in the National Capital region is due to the burning of fossil fuels. In this regard, the government introduced electric buses in the city and enabled automakers to introduce electric cars and two-wheelers in the country.

He further stated that alternate fuel vehicles, such as those that run on CNG, LPG, and flex fuels (E20), are also being introduced and that all these efforts combined will reduce the city's pollution levels.

CNG And Bitumin From Rice Straw

Gadkari pointed out that nearly 200 lakh tonnes of rice straw or parali is burnt in Haryana and Punjab, a major cause of air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region. In this regard, the government is setting up 400 plants to convert the rice straw into CNG. At the moment, 60 plants are operational.

The minister also discussed a new project in Panipat in which rice straw is being used to create 1 lakh litres of Ethanol, 1.5 tonnes of bitumen, and 78,000 tonnes of jet fuel.

As the year draws to a close and 2026 approaches, most women find themselves juggling work deadlines, family responsibilities, and festive plans. In the middle of it all, personal health often slips to the bottom of the list. But doctors say this is exactly the time to pause and take stock of your body, especially your reproductive and hormonal health.

“Annual gynecological screening is one of the simplest ways to prevent silent illnesses, detect early changes, and understand your reproductive health better,” says Dr Tanveer Aujla, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist at Motherhood Hospitals, Noida. Many common conditions show little to no symptoms in the early stages, making routine testing crucial.

Why yearly gynecological check-ups matter

Women often ignore subtle signs like fatigue, irregular periods, unexplained weight changes, or mood swings, assuming they are part of a busy lifestyle. According to Dr Aujla, this delay can be risky. “Conditions like cervical abnormalities, breast lumps, thyroid disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or hormonal imbalance often develop quietly and show symptoms only later,” she explains. A yearly check-up helps catch problems early and allows women to plan their health with confidence, especially if pregnancy is on the horizon.

Pap smear and HPV testing for cervical health

One of the most important screenings is the Pap smear combined with HPV testing. The Pap test looks for abnormal cells on the cervix, while the HPV test detects high-risk viruses responsible for most cervical cancers. “Together, they form a powerful screening tool,” Dr Aujla says. Women between 25 and 65 years should undergo this test every three to five years, or as advised by their doctor.

Breast screening for early detection

Breast health should never be overlooked. Dr Aujla advises yearly mammograms for women above 40, along with clinical breast examinations or ultrasound scans when needed. “These screenings help identify lumps, cysts, or early tissue changes,” she notes. She also stresses the importance of monthly self-examination to check for lumps, pain, or changes like inverted nipples.

Thyroid testing for unexplained symptoms

Thyroid disorders are extremely common in women and often remain undiagnosed. “A simple TSH, T3, and T4 test can explain symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, irregular periods, weight changes, or fertility issues,” says Dr Aujla. Early diagnosis can significantly improve quality of life and prevent long-term complications.

Fertility markers and preconception screening

Tests like AMH offer insight into ovarian reserve and help women plan their reproductive timelines. Dr Aujla points out that this is especially important for women with PCOS, irregular cycles, or delayed family planning. Preconception screening, which includes anemia levels, vitamin D, rubella immunity, blood sugar, and hormonal panels, ensures the body is prepared for a safe pregnancy.

Other essential health screenings

Women over 30 or those with a sedentary lifestyle should also get diabetes and cholesterol tests. Bone health panels checking calcium and vitamin D help prevent future osteoporosis. STI screening is equally important, as infections like chlamydia or gonorrhea can silently damage reproductive health if left untreated.

“Whether you are planning pregnancy or simply want to stay healthy, these tests offer clarity, confidence, and peace of mind,” Dr Aujla concludes. Taking time for these screenings before the year ends is a small step that can protect your health for years to come.