What is HIV and AIDS?

Human Immune-deficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the human immune system. In the process of reproducing itself, it destroys the body's natural ability to fight off disease and other infections. HIV causes people to be more susceptible to disease. HIV leads to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Due to weakened immune systems, people infected with AIDS die from peripheral illnesses such as malaria, tuberculosis, or various STDS which would otherwise be treatable in non-HIV positive people.

How do you get infected?

HIV is contracted through the exchange of bodily fluids between an infected person and another. Bodily fluids include saliva, blood, breast milk, semen, and vaginal fluids. Worldwide, 75% of all HIV transmission is through heterosexual intercourse.^* Additionally, the HIV virus can be spread through intravenous drug use, en vitro from mother to fetus, through breast milk from mother to child, and through contaminated blood transfusions.

1. What are the Statistics on AIDS prevalence in Sub-Saharan Africa?

The AIDS virus affects different countries to varying degrees and the depth of its spread has not been universal.

click for statistics

2. Why is HIV so prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa?

There are several conditions in Sub-Saharan Africa that have contributed to the overwhelming HIV presence among its population.

• Poverty
• Values of Procreation
• Myths regarding the disease
• Poor health
• Long latency period of the disease

3. What are the social, political, and economic effects of HIV and AIDS?

• economics
• family
• health

4. How are Advertising Campaigns used as a means of controlling the AIDS epidemic?

• Providing Factual Information
• Promoting Limited Sex
• Promoting Condom Usage
• Fighting Stereotypes

5.Why is Africa unlike Europe: A discussion about AIDS Education.

• Fertility is much more important in Africa than in other parts of the world.
• Traditional Healers are used more frequently than medical doctors.
• Poverty is a big impediment to AIDS prevention and education.

6. What are the surrent debates and issues concerning AIDS in Africa?

• South African president, Thabo Mbeki, questions the link between HIV and AIDS.
• Drug treatments and preventative care are unaccessible to Africans.
• AIDS epidemic is seen as a threat to global stability.