HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) have been significant health concerns for decades, affecting millions of people worldwide.

Despite advancements in treatment and prevention, misconceptions and stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS persist.

In this post, we will explore the fundamentals of HIV and AIDS, including their causes, transmission, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

HIV is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically targeting CD4 cells (T cells), which play a crucial role in fighting off infections.

HIV gradually weakens the immune system, making it difficult for the body to defend against infections and diseases.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a formidable pathogen that has posed significant challenges to global public health since its discovery.

Understanding the causes of HIV infection is crucial for implementing effective prevention strategies and reducing the burden of HIV/AIDS worldwide.

The origins of HIV

HIV is believed to have originated from non-human primates, particularly chimpanzees, in Central and West Africa.

The most widely accepted theory is that HIV crossed species barriers to humans through the hunting and consumption of bushmeat, which brought humans into contact with infected primate blood and tissues.

This zoonotic transmission event likely occurred multiple times in the past, leading to the emergence of two main types of HIV: HIV-1 and HIV-2.

The global impact of HIV

The global impact of HIV/AIDS continues to be significant, affecting millions of lives and posing complex challenges to public health systems worldwide.

In 2024, the latest statistics highlight the ongoing burden of HIV/AIDS on a global scale.

According to recent data from the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), an estimated 37.7 million people are living with HIV globally, with approximately 1.5 million new HIV infections and 680,000 AIDS-related deaths reported in 2023.

Despite progress in HIV prevention, testing, and treatment, significant gaps remain in access to HIV/AIDS services, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where resources may be limited.

Stigma, discrimination, and socioeconomic factors continue to hinder efforts to control the epidemic and achieve the goal of ending AIDS by 2030.

Symptoms of HIV

Many people infected with HIV may not experience any symptoms initially, or they may experience flu-like symptoms shortly after infection.

Common symptoms of HIV may include:

  1. Fever
  2. Fatigue
  3. Swollen lymph nodes
  4. Sore throat
  5. Rash
  6. Muscle and joint pain
  7. Night sweats
  8. Headache

It’s important to note that these symptoms can vary widely among individuals, and some people may not develop symptoms for years after infection.

Transmission of HIV

HIV is primarily transmitted through certain bodily fluids, including blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk.

The most common modes of HIV transmission include:

  1. Unprotected sexual intercourse: HIV can be transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected partner, particularly if condoms are not used consistently and correctly.
  2. Sharing needles and syringes: HIV can be transmitted through the sharing of needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment contaminated with HIV-infected blood.
  3. Mother-to-child transmission: HIV can be transmitted from an HIV-positive mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
  4. Blood transfusion and organ transplantation: While rare, HIV can be transmitted through the transfusion of contaminated blood or blood products or organ transplantation from an HIV-infected donor.
  5. Occupational exposure: Healthcare workers may be at risk of HIV transmission through accidental needlestick injuries or exposure to infected blood or bodily fluids in healthcare settings.
  6. Vertical transmission: HIV can be transmitted from an HIV-positive woman to her foetus during pregnancy through the placenta or during childbirth if the infant comes into contact with HIV-infected blood or vaginal fluids.

Activities that do not transmit HIV

  1. Casual contact: HIV cannot be transmitted through casual contact such as hugging, kissing, shaking hands, sharing utensils, or using public restrooms.
  2. Insect bites: HIV cannot be transmitted through mosquito bites or other insect bites.
  3. Saliva, tears, sweat, or urine: HIV cannot be transmitted through saliva, tears, sweat, or urine unless they are contaminated with blood from an HIV-infected person in quantities sufficient to transmit the virus.
  4. Sharing food or water: HIV cannot be transmitted through sharing food, water, or eating utensils with an HIV-positive person.
  5. Closed-mouth kissing: HIV cannot be transmitted through closed-mouth kissing, even if one partner is HIV-positive, as saliva does not contain sufficient levels of the virus to transmit infection.
  6. Sharing personal items: HIV cannot be transmitted through sharing personal items such as towels, clothing, or bedding with an HIV-positive person unless they are contaminated with blood.

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)

AIDS remains one of the most significant public health challenges of our time, with profound social, economic, and health impacts worldwide.

AIDS is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), a retrovirus that attacks the immune system, leading to progressive immune dysfunction and susceptibility to opportunistic infections and malignancies.

Implications of AIDS

AIDS has profound implications for affected individuals, communities, and societies, including:

  1. Increased morbidity and mortality: AIDS-defining opportunistic infections and malignancies can lead to significant morbidity and mortality among individuals with advanced HIV/AIDS. Without access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and appropriate medical care, AIDS-related complications can be life-threatening.
  2. Social and economic impact: AIDS-related illness and death can have devastating social and economic consequences for individuals, families, and communities, including loss of income, carer burden, stigma, and discrimination. The AIDS epidemic has disproportionately affected vulnerable and marginalised populations, exacerbating existing disparities in health and well-being.
  3. Public health challenges: AIDS remains a significant public health challenge globally, with millions of new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths occurring each year. Efforts to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS require comprehensive approaches that address social determinants of health, promote human rights, and ensure equitable access to prevention, treatment, and care services.

Getting HIV and progressing to AIDS

Without treatment, HIV can progress to AIDS, a more advanced stage of the infection characterised by severe immune system damage.

AIDS is diagnosed when the immune system becomes severely compromised, as indicated by a low CD4 cell count and the presence of opportunistic infections or cancers.

The progression of HIV to AIDS is driven by various factors, including viral virulence, host immune responses, co-infections, and genetic factors.

HIV has evolved multiple strategies to evade the immune system, including high mutation rates, genetic diversity, and the ability to establish reservoirs of infected cells.

Additionally, co-infections such as hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can accelerate HIV disease progression and increase the risk of developing AIDS.

The progression from HIV infection to AIDS occurs in the following stages:

1. HIV transmission and entry

HIV transmission occurs through the exchange of certain bodily fluids, including blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk, during unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing of contaminated needles, and mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

Upon entry into the body, HIV primarily targets CD4-positive T lymphocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells, which play essential roles in the immune response.

The virus gains entry into target cells by binding to CD4 receptors and co-receptors, such as CCR5 and CXCR4, on the cell surface, followed by fusion of the viral and cellular membranes.

2. Acute HIV infection

Following transmission, individuals may experience acute HIV infection, characterised by a rapid increase in viral replication and dissemination throughout the body.

Acute HIV infection is often accompanied by flu-like symptoms, including fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and rash.

During this early stage of infection, HIV viral load peaks, and the immune system mounts an initial response to control viral replication.

However, HIV can evade immune defences by establishing reservoirs of infected cells, leading to the establishment of chronic infection.

3. Chronic HIV infection

Chronic HIV infection is characterised by persistent viral replication and immune dysfunction, as the virus continues to replicate and infect CD4-positive T cells and other immune cells.

HIV employs various strategies to evade host immune responses, including high mutation rates, genetic diversity, and the ability to infect and destroy immune cells.

Over time, chronic HIV infection leads to progressive depletion of CD4-positive T cells, weakening the immune system and increasing susceptibility to opportunistic infections, malignancies, and other HIV-related complications.

4. AIDS

Without treatment, chronic HIV infection can progress to AIDS, a late stage of HIV disease characterized by severe immune deficiency and the occurrence of opportunistic infections, AIDS-defining cancers, or a CD4 T cell count below a certain threshold (typically <200 cells/mm3).

AIDS-related complications can be life-threatening and include infections such as Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP), tuberculosis (TB), cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, and opportunistic malignancies such as Kaposi’s sarcoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Individuals with AIDS are at increased risk of morbidity and mortality and require prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent disease progression and improve outcomes.

Diagnosis of HIV/AIDS

Diagnosing HIV/AIDS involves a series of steps aimed at detecting the presence of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in the body and assessing its impact on the immune system.

Early diagnosis is crucial for initiating timely treatment and care, reducing the risk of disease progression, and preventing further virus transmission.

1. HIV testing

The cornerstone of HIV diagnosis is HIV testing, which detects the presence of HIV antibodies, antigens, or genetic material (RNA or DNA) in blood, saliva, or other bodily fluids. HIV testing can be performed using several methods, including:

  1. Antibody tests: These tests detect antibodies produced by the immune system in response to HIV infection. Common antibody tests include rapid HIV antibody tests and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests. Most antibody tests require a blood sample, although oral fluid or urine tests are also available.
  2. Antigen tests: These tests detect specific proteins (antigens) produced by HIV early in the course of infection before antibodies develop. Antigen tests are often used in combination with antibody tests for more accurate diagnosis, particularly during the acute phase of HIV infection.
  3. Nucleic acid tests (NAT): Also known as viral load tests or nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), these tests detect the genetic material (RNA or DNA) of HIV in blood or other bodily fluids. NATs are highly sensitive and can detect HIV infection within days to weeks after exposure, making them useful for early diagnosis and monitoring viral load levels in people living with HIV/AIDS.

2. Point-of-care testing

Point-of-care (POC) HIV testing allows for rapid diagnosis of HIV infection within minutes, often at the point of care without the need for laboratory facilities.

POC tests are particularly useful in settings where immediate results are needed, such as community-based testing sites, healthcare clinics, and outreach programmes.

Rapid HIV antibody tests, oral fluid tests, and fingerstick blood tests are examples of POC testing methods widely used for HIV diagnosis.

3. Confirmatory testing

In cases where initial HIV tests yield positive or inconclusive results, confirmatory testing is conducted to confirm the presence of HIV infection and rule out false positives.

Confirmatory tests typically involve additional laboratory-based assays, such as western blot tests or HIV nucleic acid amplification tests, which provide more specific and reliable results.

4. CD4 T cell count and viral load testing

Once HIV infection is confirmed, additional laboratory tests may be performed to assess the impact of HIV on the immune system and monitor disease progression.

CD4 T cell count and viral load testing are key indicators used in the management of HIV/AIDS:

  1. CD4 T cell count: Measures the number of CD4 T cells, a type of white blood cell that plays a central role in the immune response. A declining CD4 T cell count indicates progressive immune system impairment and an increased risk of opportunistic infections.
  2. Viral load testing: Measures the amount of HIV genetic material (RNA) in the blood, providing information about the level of HIV replication and the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Viral load testing is used to monitor treatment response, assess HIV transmission risk, and guide clinical management decisions.

Treatment and management of HIV/AIDS

While there is no cure for HIV/AIDS, effective treatment is available to control the virus and manage the condition.

These treatments and management plans have transformed the outlook for individuals living with HIV/AIDS, offering hope, longevity, and improved quality of life.

With proper treatment and medical care, people with HIV can live long, healthy lives and reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others.

1. Antiretroviral therapy (ART)

Antiretroviral therapy, also known as combination therapy or highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), is the cornerstone of HIV treatment.

ART involves the simultaneous use of multiple antiretroviral drugs from different classes to achieve potent and durable suppression of HIV replication.

The goals of ART include:

  1. Suppressing viral load: ART reduces the amount of HIV in the blood (viral load) to undetectable levels, which helps preserve immune function, prevent disease progression, and reduce the risk of HIV transmission to others.
  2. Restoring Immune Function: By suppressing viral replication, ART allows the immune system to recover and rebuild CD4 T cell counts, reducing the risk of opportunistic infections and AIDS-related complications.
  3. Improving Quality of Life: ART improves the overall health and quality of life for people living with HIV/AIDS by reducing symptoms, prolonging life expectancy, and enabling individuals to lead productive and fulfilling lives.

2. Medication adherence support

Adherence to ART is critical for achieving optimal treatment outcomes and preventing the development of drug resistance.

Healthcare providers play a key role in supporting adherence by providing education, counselling, and practical strategies to help individuals adhere to their medication regimens.

Adherence support may include:

  1. Tailored treatment plans that take into account individual preferences, lifestyle factors, and treatment goals.
  2. Regular monitoring of viral load, CD4 T cell counts, and medication adherence is needed to assess treatment response and identify any challenges or barriers to adherence.
  3. Use of reminder systems, pill organisers, and mobile health technologies to help individuals stay on track with their medication schedules.
  4. Addressing psychosocial factors, such as stigma, depression, substance abuse, and social support, that may impact adherence behaviour.

3. Monitoring and follow-up

Regular monitoring and follow-up are essential components of HIV management to assess treatment efficacy, detect treatment failure or drug resistance, and address any emerging health issues.

Key elements of monitoring and follow-up include:

  1. Regular laboratory tests, including viral load testing, CD4 T cell counts, and routine blood tests to assess kidney and liver function, lipid levels, and other metabolic parameters,.
  2. Clinical assessments to evaluate symptoms, assess treatment side effects, and monitor for signs of opportunistic infections or other HIV-related complications.
  3. Collaborative care between healthcare providers, including HIV specialists, primary care physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other members of the healthcare team, is necessary to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care.

4. Preventive interventions

In addition to ART, preventive interventions play a crucial role in HIV management by reducing the risk of HIV transmission, preventing opportunistic infections, and promoting overall health and well-being.

Key preventive interventions include:

  1. Safer sex practices, including condom use, mutual monogamy, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), are recommended for individuals at high risk of HIV infection.
  2. Harm reduction strategies, such as needle exchange programmes, opioid substitution therapy, and overdose prevention services for people who inject drugs.
  3. Vaccinations to prevent opportunistic infections, such as pneumococcal and influenza vaccines, as well as vaccinations against hepatitis B and human papillomavirus (HPV) for individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
  4. Screening and management of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, tuberculosis (TB), and other comorbid conditions commonly associated with HIV/AIDS.

5. Psychosocial care

Psychosocial support and counselling are integral components of HIV management, addressing the emotional, social, and psychological aspects of living with HIV/AIDS.

Psychosocial care aims to:

  1. Provide emotional support, coping strategies, and resilience-building skills to help individuals navigate the challenges of living with HIV/AIDS, including stigma, discrimination, disclosure, and mental health concerns.
  2. Foster positive coping mechanisms, self-esteem, and social support networks to enhance overall well-being and quality of life.
  3. Address psychosocial factors that may impact treatment adherence, engagement in care, and health outcomes, such as substance abuse, trauma, intimate partner violence, and social isolation.

Living with HIV/AIDS

Living with HIV/AIDS presents individuals with a unique set of challenges and opportunities.

While HIV/AIDS was once considered a terminal illness, advances in treatment and care have transformed it into a manageable chronic condition for many.

However, the journey of living with HIV/AIDS involves navigating physical, emotional, social, and practical aspects of daily life.

1. Treatment adherence

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is critical for managing HIV/AIDS and achieving optimal health outcomes.

Living with HIV/AIDS often entails incorporating a daily medication regimen into one’s routine, which can pose challenges for some individuals.

Factors influencing treatment adherence may include:

  1. Side effects: Antiretroviral drugs can cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhoea, fatigue, and skin rashes, which may impact adherence. Open communication with healthcare providers can help address side effects and explore alternative treatment options, if needed.
  2. Complexity of regimen: Some ART regimens require multiple pills taken at specific times of the day, which can be challenging to adhere to, especially for individuals with busy schedules or competing priorities. Simplifying medication regimens and utilising adherence support tools can help improve adherence.
  3. Mental health: Depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and other mental health issues can affect treatment adherence and overall well-being. Integrating mental health support into HIV care can address underlying issues and promote treatment success.

2. Stigma and discrimination

Stigma and discrimination continue to be significant barriers to HIV/AIDS care and support, affecting individuals living with HIV/AIDS in various ways. Stigma may manifest as:

  1. Social stigma: Negative attitudes, misconceptions, and fear surrounding HIV/AIDS can lead to social exclusion, isolation, and rejection from friends, family, and communities. Educating others about HIV/AIDS, challenging stigma, and promoting empathy and understanding are essential for creating supportive environments.
  2. Self-stigma: Internalised stigma or shame can impact self-esteem, self-worth, and mental health, leading to feelings of guilt, isolation, and secrecy. Seeking support from peers, support groups, or mental health professionals can help individuals cope with self-stigma and build resilience.

3. Disclosure and privacy

Deciding whether to disclose one’s HIV status to others is a deeply personal choice that involves weighing various factors, including:

  1. Support networks: Disclosure of HIV status to trusted friends, family members, or partners can provide emotional support, practical assistance, and a sense of connection. However, concerns about rejection, discrimination, or breaches of confidentiality may influence decisions about disclosure.
  2. Legal protections: Laws protecting the rights of individuals living with HIV/AIDS vary by country and jurisdiction, affecting decisions around disclosure and privacy. Understanding legal rights and protections can empower individuals to make informed decisions about disclosure while safeguarding their privacy and autonomy.

4. Mental health and well-being

Living with HIV/AIDS can impact mental health and well-being, with individuals facing unique challenges related to:

  1. Coping with diagnosis: Receiving an HIV diagnosis can evoke a range of emotions, including shock, denial, anger, sadness, and anxiety. Counselling, peer support, and mental health services can help individuals navigate the emotional impact of diagnosis and adjust to living with HIV/AIDS.
  2. Managing stress: Living with a chronic illness can be stressful, particularly when balancing treatment, work, relationships, and other life responsibilities. Stress management techniques such as mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and self-care activities can help reduce stress and promote overall well-being.

5. Resilience and empowerment

Despite the challenges of living with HIV/AIDS, many individuals demonstrate remarkable resilience, strength, and empowerment in their journey.

Strategies for fostering resilience and empowerment may include:

  1. Self-empowerment: Taking an active role in one’s healthcare, advocating for one’s needs, and participating in treatment decisions can empower individuals to take control of their health and well-being.
  2. Peer support: Connecting with others who share similar experiences through peer support groups, community organisations, or online forums can provide validation, encouragement, and practical advice.
  3. Education and awareness: Knowledge is a powerful tool in combating stigma, dispelling myths, and promoting understanding about HIV/AIDS. Engaging in HIV/AIDS education and advocacy efforts can empower individuals to challenge stigma, promote prevention, and advocate for their rights and needs.

Contributory factors for HIV prevalence

Despite advances in HIV prevention and treatment, several factors contribute to the ongoing persistence of the HIV epidemic:

1. Stigma and discrimination

  1. The stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS continues to hinder prevention efforts, discourage HIV testing, and perpetuate discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS.
  2. Fear of stigma and discrimination may prevent individuals from accessing HIV prevention, treatment, and care services, contributing to the spread of HIV.

2. Socioeconomic factors

  1. Poverty, inequality, lack of access to healthcare, and limited education exacerbate vulnerability to HIV infection and hinder efforts to control the epidemic.
  2. Social and economic disparities contribute to disparities in HIV prevalence, access to prevention and treatment services, and health outcomes among different population groups.

3. Behavioural and structural factors

  1. High-risk sexual behaviours, injection drug use, and a lack of access to prevention services contribute to HIV transmission in many communities.
  2. Structural factors such as laws criminalising certain behaviours (e.g., drug use, sex work), gender inequality, and human rights violations can fuel the HIV epidemic by creating barriers to HIV prevention, treatment, and care.

Prevention of HIV/AIDS

Preventing HIV transmission is key to reducing the spread of the virus.

Effective prevention strategies include:

1. Safe sex practices

  1. Condom use: Consistently and correctly using condoms during vaginal, anal, and oral sex is one of the most effective ways to prevent HIV transmission. Condoms are barrier contraceptives and act to prevent the exchange of bodily fluids containing the virus.
  2. Limiting sexual partners: Having fewer sexual partners reduces the risk of HIV exposure. Monogamous relationships with a mutually HIV-negative partner or practicing abstinence are effective ways to minimise the risk of transmission.

2. Needle and syringe programmes

  1. Needle exchange programmes: Providing access to sterile needles and syringes for people who inject drugs helps reduce the risk of HIV transmission through needle sharing. Needle exchange programmes also offer education, counselling, and referrals to substance abuse treatment services.
  2. Safe injection practices: Encouraging safer injection practices, such as using clean needles and syringes for each injection and avoiding the sharing of drug paraphernalia, can help prevent HIV transmission among people who inject drugs.

3. HIV testing and counselling

  1. Routine testing: Regular HIV testing is essential for the early detection and treatment of HIV infection. Knowing one’s HIV status allows individuals to take appropriate steps to protect their health and prevent transmission to others.
  2. Counselling and education: HIV testing should be accompanied by counselling and education on HIV prevention, risk reduction strategies, and the importance of treatment adherence for those living with HIV.

4. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)

PrEP involves taking antiretroviral medications daily to prevent HIV infection in individuals at high risk of exposure.

PrEP is highly effective when taken consistently and correctly, and it is recommended for HIV-negative individuals with an increased risk of HIV acquisition, such as men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender individuals, and people in serodiscordant relationships.

5. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)

PEP is a short-term course of antiretroviral medications taken after potential exposure to HIV to reduce the risk of infection.

PEP should be initiated as soon as possible after exposure, and ideally within 72 hours.

PEP is recommended for individuals who have had unprotected sex with an HIV-positive partner, experienced needlestick injuries, or been sexually assaulted.

6. Treatment as prevention (TasP)

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) not only improves the health and quality of life of individuals living with HIV but also reduces the risk of HIV transmission to others.

When HIV-positive individuals achieve viral suppression through consistent and effective ART, the risk of transmitting the virus to sexual partners is significantly reduced.

7. Comprehensive sexual health education

Providing comprehensive sexual health education in schools, communities, and healthcare settings is essential for promoting HIV prevention and reducing risky behaviours.

Education on HIV transmission, prevention methods, and stigma reduction empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their sexual health.

8. Addressing structural and social determinants

Addressing underlying social, economic, and structural factors such as poverty, stigma, discrimination, gender inequality, and lack of access to healthcare is crucial for effective HIV prevention.

Implementing policies and interventions that address these determinants can create supportive environments that facilitate HIV prevention efforts.

Myths and facts about HIV/AIDS

1. Myth: HIV/AIDS only affects certain groups of people.

Fact: HIV/AIDS can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, race, or socioeconomic status.

It is transmitted through specific behaviours, not by belonging to a particular group.

2. Myth: HIV/AIDS can be transmitted through casual contact.

Fact: HIV is not transmitted through casual contact such as hugging, kissing, shaking hands, sharing utensils, or using public restrooms.

It is primarily transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing needles, and mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

3. Myth: HIV/AIDS can be transmitted through mosquito bites or other insect bites.

Fact: HIV is not transmitted through mosquito bites or other insect bites.

The virus cannot survive in insects and is not transmitted through their bites.

4. Myth: You can get HIV from sharing food, water, or eating utensils with someone who has HIV/AIDS.

Fact: HIV is not transmitted through sharing food, water, or eating utensils with someone who has HIV/AIDS.

The virus is not spread through saliva, tears, sweat, or urine unless they are contaminated with blood from an HIV-infected person in quantities sufficient to transmit the virus.

5. Myth: HIV/AIDS can be cured by herbal remedies or alternative therapies.

Fact: While some herbal remedies or alternative therapies may help alleviate symptoms or improve overall well-being, there is currently no cure for HIV/AIDS.

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the standard treatment for HIV/AIDS, which can effectively suppress the virus, prolong life, and improve the quality of life for people living with HIV/AIDS.

6. Myth: You can tell if someone has HIV/AIDS by their appearance.

Fact: HIV/AIDS cannot be diagnosed based on appearance alone.

Many people living with HIV/AIDS may appear healthy and show no visible symptoms for years, especially if they are on effective treatment.

The only way to know if someone has HIV/AIDS is through HIV testing.

7. Myth: HIV/AIDS is a death sentence.

Fact: While HIV/AIDS was once considered a terminal illness, advances in HIV treatment and care have transformed it into a manageable chronic condition for many people.

With early diagnosis, access to treatment, and proper medical care, people living with HIV/AIDS can live long and healthy lives.

8. Myth: You cannot have a relationship or have children if you are HIV positive.

Fact: People living with HIV/AIDS can have fulfilling relationships and have children safely with proper medical care and guidance.

With effective treatment and preventive measures, the risk of HIV transmission to partners can be greatly reduced, and the risk of mother-to-child transmission can be minimised.

9. Myth: HIV/AIDS is only a problem in certain parts of the world.

Fact: HIV/AIDS is a global pandemic that affects people in every country and region around the world.

While the prevalence and impact of HIV/AIDS may vary by location, it remains a significant public health challenge that requires ongoing attention, resources, and action.

10. Myth: HIV/AIDS is no longer a concern because there are effective treatments available.

Fact: While antiretroviral therapy (ART) has greatly improved the outlook for people living with HIV/AIDS, the epidemic is far from over.

Access to HIV testing, treatment, and prevention services remains a challenge in many parts of the world.

Continued efforts are needed to ensure universal access to comprehensive HIV/AIDS care and support, address stigma and discrimination, and work towards ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic once and for all.

World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day, observed annually on December 1st, serves as a global reminder of the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS, a pandemic that has affected millions of lives worldwide.

It provides an opportunity to raise awareness, commemorate those who have lost their lives to the disease, and show support for people living with HIV/AIDS.

World AIDS Day serves as a platform for advocacy, education, and action, highlighting the importance of HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care, as well as addressing stigma, discrimination, and disparities in access to healthcare services.

Throughout the world, individuals, communities, governments, and organisations come together on World AIDS Day to unite in the fight against HIV/AIDS, mobilise resources, and reaffirm commitments to ending the epidemic.

Activities may include HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns, community events, candlelight vigils, fundraisers for HIV/AIDS organisations, and advocacy efforts to promote HIV testing, treatment, and prevention services.

World AIDS Day serves as a reminder that, while progress has been made in the fight against HIV/AIDS, much work remains to be done to achieve the goal of ending the epidemic and ensuring that everyone, everywhere, has access to the information, resources, and support needed to live healthy and fulfilling lives.

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