Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2002. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Sunday Times (Johannesburg) - Sunday 01 December 2002
HIV
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus is not Aids, but the virus that causes Aids. It's like any other virus, except that it attacks the immune system itself. The virus gets into the body through blood, sperm and vaginal fluid.
If someone is infected with the virus, they become HIV-positive (HIV+). People can live with HIV in their bodies for years before getting Aids.
Aids
This is the disease caused by the HI virus.
A stands for ACQUIRED, which means that the virus is not spread through casual contact (like flu or chickenpox). In order to be infected, a person must do something that exposes them to the virus.
I and D stand for IMMUNODEFICIENCY. The virus attacks a person's immune system so that it can't fight infections.
S is for SYNDROME. Aids presents itself as a number of diseases which infect the body because the immune system can't fight them off.
So what's the connection?
Over time, the HI virus weakens the immune system so much that it can't fight off illnesses and the person becomes sick. That person then has full-blown Aids. Many people die from Aids-related illnesses such as pneumonia, which means they become sick and die because their immune systems are too weak.
Numbers and figures
How many people are infected with HIV? Prepare to be shocked!
WORLDWIDE
40 million people are estimated to be living with Aids worldwide. That's almost the population of South Africa
21.8-million people have already died of Aids
A projected 45 million more people will become infected in the next eight years
More than half these new infections will be among people under 20 years of age
In 2001, an estimated five million people were newly infected with HIV
An estimated three million people died of Aids last year. That's more than 8 000 people a day!
AT HOME
Five million people were believed to be living with HIV/Aids at the end of last year
About 360 000 people died last year of Aids-related illnesses
660 000 children have been orphaned by the disease
An estimated 1 500 people are infected every day
More than 60% of new infections occur in people aged 15-25
Just over 50% of all new infections in Southern Africa occur in South Africa
At the current rate of infection, more than half of all South Africans under 15 today are likely to become infected by HIV Source: UNAIDS
Aids views
The important people in the fight against Aids are not the doctors, nurses and scientists; it's you and me. It's our attitudes that will save our lives. But what do young peeps think of the disease and World Aids Day?
Mawande Lushozi, 13: "The whole point of World Aids Day is to make people more aware of this terrible disease which is killing us. It's a way to make us come together and find better solutions to deal with Aids."
Emilia Mogano, 14: "I think bringing about awareness is a big part of World Aids Day. It's also a day to show HIV-positive people our support. If there's an Aids Day event in my area I'll definitely go."
Jason Samuels, 16: "World Aids Day is good because it makes people see the reality of Aids and the importance of having safe sex."
Megan Bramwell, 17: "Aids Day is a way to educate people and show them that Aids is a real thing that's out there. My school is collecting food for Aids orphans. We'll give the food to them on World Aids Day."
Nicholas Reddy, 16: "The reason for World Aids Day is to try to get people to have safe sex. It's also a way to motivate and encourage HIV-positive people."
When did it all start?
Read on and get informed about the history of the day!
World Aids Day is a day on which to bring messages of hope, compassion, solidarity and understanding about Aids to every part of the world.
It was started by the World Summit of Ministers of Health on Programmes for Aids Prevention, held in January 1988.
The summit was attended by representatives from 140 countries.
The ministers wanted the day to be an opportunity for governments, national Aids programmes, non-governmental and local organisations and individuals everywhere to talk about, and show their solidarity in the battle against Aids.
Since then, World Aids Day has received the support of the World Health Organisation, the United Nations, governments, communities and ordinary people around the world.
Each year, it is the day on which governments and citizens from around the world join in their commitment to take action against Aids.
Themes and dreams
The theme of World Aids Day this year is
"Stigma and Discrimination" and the slogan is "Live and Let Live".
People have reacted with fear, denial and discrimination ever since Aids was first discovered. This has led to prejudice against the social groups most affected as well as individuals living with HIV/Aids - who are often rejected by their communities and even family members. In fact, being HIV-positive is still regarded as shameful by many.
Some governments' introduction of measurements such as compulsory HIV tests and limitations on travel don't help either - they increase the stigmatisation of HIV-positive people. However, many countries protect the freedom of people living with HIV/Aids, ensuring their right to employment, information, treatment and support.
This year, it is progress such as this that World Aids Day hopes to promote.
Discrimination makes it difficult to fight the HIV/Aids epidemic effectively. Fear of discrimination often stops people from getting tested for HIV. This delays treatment and exposes others to the risk of infection.
How can we overcome all this shame and hatred? First, you need to understand that it could happen to you - and if it did, how would you like to be treated? HIV-positive people need to be educated so they can challenge discrimination. Communities need to turn their back on fear of HIV and create caring and supportive environments for HIV-positive people and HIV-affected families. So, live and let live, y'hear!
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