What is HIV/AIDS

• AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which damages the body’s defence system by disabling types of white blood cells called CD4+ T that fight infection.

• AIDS is an incurable but preventable disease. HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, spreads through unprotected sex (intercourse without a condom), transfusions of unscreened blood, contaminated needles and syringes, and from an HIV-positive mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding.

• All people, including children, are at risk for HIV/AIDS.

• People with HIV usually live for years without any signs of the disease. They may look and feel healthy, but they can still pass on the virus to others.

• Anyone who suspects that he or she might have HIV should contact a health worker or an HIV/AIDS centre to receive confidential counselling and testing.

• The risk of getting HIV through sex can be reduced if people don't have sex at all, if they reduce the number of sex partners, if HIV negative partners have sex only with each other, or if they have safer sex – sex without penetration or while using a condom. Correct and consistent use of condoms can save lives by preventing the spread of HIV.

• Girls are especially vulnerable and need support to protect themselves against unwanted and unsafe sex.

• Parents and teachers can help young people protect themselves from HIV/AIDS by talking with them about how to avoid getting and spreading the disease, including the correct and consistent use of male or female condoms.

• HIV can be passed from a mother to her child during pregnancy or childbirth or through breastfeeding. Pregnant women, HIV-positive new mothers and those who suspect they may have HIV should consult a qualified health worker to seek testing and counselling.

• HIV can be spread by unsterilised needles or syringes, most often those used for injecting drugs. Used razor blades, knives or tools that cut or pierce the skin also carry some risk of spreading HIV.

• It is not possible to get HIV/AIDS from touching. Hugging, shaking hands, coughing and sneezing will not spread the disease. HIV/AIDS cannot be transmitted through toilet seats, telephones, plates, glasses, eating utensils, towels, bed linen, swimming pools or public baths. HIV/AIDS is not spread by mosquitoes or other insects.

• People who have a sexually-transmitted infection (STI) are at greater risk of getting HIV and of spreading HIV to others. People with STIs should seek prompt treatment and avoid sexual intercourse or practice safer sex.