Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, commonly known as AIDS, is a collection of symptoms and infections (a syndrome) that occur as a result of damage to the human immune system caused by infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

HIV is a virus that attacks and weakens the body’s immune system, particularly the white blood cells known as CD4 cells. Individuals infected with HIV become highly vulnerable to opportunistic infections and certain types of tumors. Although existing treatments can slow the progression of the virus, HIV/AIDS cannot yet be completely cured.

How HIV Is Transmitted

HIV is generally transmitted through direct contact between mucous membranes or the bloodstream and body fluids that contain the virus, including:

• Blood
• Semen
• Vaginal fluids
• Pre-seminal fluid
• Breast milk

Transmission can occur through:

• Sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal, or oral)
• Blood transfusions contaminated with HIV
• Sharing contaminated needles or syringes
• Transmission from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding
• Other forms of direct contact with infected body fluids

Global Spread of HIV/AIDS

Scientists generally believe that AIDS originated in Sub-Saharan Africa. Today, HIV/AIDS has become a global epidemic. It is estimated that 38.6 million people worldwide are living with HIV.

In January 2006, UNAIDS, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), estimated that more than 25 million people had died from AIDS-related illnesses since the disease was first recognized on June 5, 1981. This makes HIV/AIDS one of the deadliest epidemics in human history.

In 2005 alone, AIDS was responsible for approximately 2.4 to 3.3 million deaths, including more than 570,000 children. About one-third of these deaths occurred in Sub-Saharan Africa, significantly slowing economic growth and weakening human resources in the region. Although antiretroviral therapy can significantly reduce mortality and disease severity, access to treatment remains limited in many countries.

The Difference Between HIV and AIDS

It is important to understand that AIDS is not a disease name, but rather a collection of symptoms caused by a severely weakened immune system.

Examples of AIDS-related illnesses include:

• Pneumonia
• Fungal infections of the mouth and esophagus
• Nervous system disorders
• Tuberculosis (TBC)
• Certain cancers

A person living with HIV does not necessarily have AIDS, but anyone diagnosed with AIDS is confirmed to have HIV.

How HIV Is Transmitted

HIV can be transmitted through contact with HIV-infected blood or body fluids, including:

• Sharing needles among drug users
• High-risk sexual activity
• Blood transfusions contaminated with HIV
• Transmission from an HIV-positive mother to her baby during childbirth

How HIV Is NOT Transmitted

HIV cannot be transmitted through:

• Air (such as breathing)
• Physical contact (hugging, shaking hands)
• Water (such as swimming)
• Insect bites (such as mosquitoes)

The Window Period

The window period is the time when a person has already been infected with HIV and can transmit the virus to others, but the infection cannot yet be detected by standard HIV testing methods.