HIV/AIDS Information

AIDS (Acquired ImmunoDeficiency Syndrome) has become a major worldwide epidemic. AIDS is caused by HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). By killing or damaging the cells (in particular the CD4 count/white cells/) and the amount of virus in the bloodstream is measured, HIV progressively destroys the body's ability to fight infections and certain cancers. People diagnosed with AIDS may get life-threatening diseases called opportunistic infections,  which are caused by microbes such as viruses or bacteria that usually do not make healthy people sick.

"There is an on-going battle where the virus will take over the white cells in order to produce millions of copies of itself by manipulating and then destroying the CD4 cells. The more virus in the human system the less chance to fight off infections and therefore more chance of sickness. The Immune system basically breaks down."

Thanks to life saving HIV Medicines people living with the HIV virus (tested HIV positive at A GUM/Sexual health clinic/Hospital) can now lead a 'healthy' life thanks to their ability to destroy a large number of the HIV cells and their for helping the body's immune system to recover and fight off infections. The drugs act by putting a spanner in the different stages of where the virus takes over the cell. However, we don't know how long they will work for as the virus mutates and these amazing drugs only reach 5% of all global HIV infections (over 40 million with 5 million dying in 2004 alone).

Having unprotected sex with an infected partner spreads HIV most commonly. The virus can enter the body through small cuts to the lining when having unprotected sex of the vagina, vulva, penis, rectum, or mouth during sex. HIV can infect anyone who practices risky behaviours such as:  

  • Having sexual contact, with an infected person without using a condom
  • Sharing drug needles or syringes
  • Having sexual contact with someone whose HIV status is unknown

HIV is also spread through contact with infected blood. Before donated blood was screened for evidence of HIV infection and before heat-treating techniques to destroy HIV in blood products were introduced, HIV was transmitted through transfusions of contaminated blood or blood components. Today, because of blood screening and heat treatment, the risk of getting HIV from such transfusions is extremely small. HIV is also frequently spread among injection drug users by the sharing of needles or syringes contaminated with very small quantities of blood from someone infected with the virus.

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Downloadable Documents

  • Donation Form
    Please download this form if you would like to make a donation to Health Initiatives. Every donation is much appreciated and helps us to do more great work with young people with HIV/AIDS!
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