Information.

Millions of people around the world are living with HIV or AIDS. According to the statistics published by UNIADS/ WHO in November 2007, 33.2 Million people are estimated to live with HIV and AIDS. Young people (under 25 years olf) account for half of all new infections worlwide. Young people and those living in countries in the Global South are most affected. But what kind of illness is AIDS? Does everyone who contracts AIDS die? What is the difference between HIV and AIDS and how can you ensure that you don’t get it?

What is HIV?

HIV is the virus that can cause AIDS. It is the abbreviation of ‘Human Immuno Deficiency Virus’. It breaks down your body’s resistance. The white blood cells, which we all have to defend ourselves against illnesses, are broken down by HIV. You cannot die from HIV itself, but if you have it then you can become critically ill from viruses and bacteria which wouldn’t normally have serious effects.

What is AIDS?

The word AIDS is used only when the immune system of someone living with HIV is so broken-down that serious infections occur. AIDS is an abbreviation of ‘Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome’. The last three words, ‘Immuno Deficiency Syndrome’ indicate that AIDS is not one disease, but a ‘syndrome’, a ‘compound of diseases’ which are caused by ‘damage to the immune system’.