HIV/AIDS ! Some may say it is an awful or embarrassing topic to talk about. However, let’s make ourselves comfortable and talk about it because it is a real problem affecting many people! According to the WHO, 39 million people have died of HIV since the beginning of the pandemic out of the 76.1 million infected population (roughly 52 percent).

HIV infection is caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and consequently leads to suppression of one's immune system by destroying the white blood cells that fight infection. This puts one at risk of other serious infections and certain cancers. AIDS is the terminal stage of infection with HIV. However, not everyone with HIV develops AIDS.

HIV most often spreads through unprotected sex with an infected person. It may also spread by sharing contaminated drug needles or through contact with the blood of an infected person on blood transfusion. infected women can also pass it to their babies during pregnancy, labour or breastfeeding if no proper control measures are taken.The first signs of HIV infection may be swollen glands and flu-like symptoms. Severe symptoms may not appear until months or years later. A blood test can tell if you have HIV infection. There is no cure, but there are many medicines that manage HIV infection and lower the risk of infecting others. People who get early treatment can live with the virus in their body for a long time.

But what' s our role in helping to decrease the number of HIV cases in the world? We all have a role to play by following the strategies to reduce the risk of HIV infection, which include abstaining from premarital sex, limiting your number of sexual partners if you indulge in sexual activity, never sharing contaminated needles, and proper use of condoms. Chief most, having regular blood checks can help one take charge of their status.

We live in a completely independent world, which simply means we can not escape each other. How we respond to AIDS depends ,in part, on wether we understand this independence. It is not someone else’s problem. This is everybody’s problem!Let’s keep acknowledging the existence of HIV/AIDS and the related implications. Let's fight against HIV/AIDS infection, stigma and discrimination. Let’s say no to AIDS.

Together, we can !