HIV/AIDS

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a clinical condition that occurs due to an infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). This condition is characterized by a gradual disintegration of the immune system, leaving the sufferer susceptible to opportunistic infections from other organisms. Although first identified in humans in the United States in 1981, HIV is believed to have originated in Africa. It is considered to be related to the Simian Immunodeficiency virus (SIV), which is known to cause similar immunocompromised states in other primates. HIV is now a worldwide pandemic, with the most serious prevalence seen in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South-East Asia. Transmission of HIV is known to occur through four primary methods: sexual transmission, transfusion of infected blood products, mother-to-child transmission during childbirth and breastfeeding, and sharing of needles and syringes for injection drug use. Treatment of HIV is currently based on the concept of Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART), which relies on concurrent treatment with more than one class of anti-retroviral medications. While effective at controlling the infection, these medications are unable to cure HIV. Consequently, the most effective strategies for HIV control focus on prevention. These involve social and educational interventions, along with strategies focused on reducing sexual transmission through condom promotion. Further, needle exchange programs to prevent transmission through injected drug use, and maternal anti-retroviral therapy to prevent neonatal and breastfeeding transmission are also effective. Finally, successfully controlling the HIV pandemic would require policy interventions at national levels in order to provide greater access to treatment and prevention services and address the stigma surrounding the disease.