Ascension : World AIDS Day- 1st December
Submitted by The Islander (Raymond Ellick) 30.11.2006 (Article Archived on 14.12.2006)

HIV is one of the biggest social, economic and health challenges in the world. It is a global emergency claiming over 8,000 lives every day. In fact 5 people die of AIDS every minute.

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. This is the virus known to cause AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). If someone is HIV-positive, it means they have been infected with the virus.

A person infected with HIV does not have AIDS until the virus seriously damages their immune system, making them vulnerable to a range of infections, some of which can lead to death.

HIV is transmitted through body fluids in particular blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk, in fact there are only four ways you can become HIV positive.

In 2005, over 3 million people acquired HIV, which means there are now over 40 million people living with HIV and AIDS. Despite best efforts from governments, non-profit organisations and healthcare practitioners around the world, HIV and AIDS is still having huge global impact .

In the UK, there are fewer people dying of AIDS but incidences of HIV in the UK than ever before. With testing and proper treatment, through anti-HIV drugs, many people in the UK are now able to halt or delay the damage caused by HIV.

Safer sex

The best way to stop HIV being passed on is to use condoms during vaginal or anal sex, if there is any possibility that either partner could have the virus. It can take only a single episode of unprotected sex (i.e. not using a condom) with an infected partner for HIV to be passed on. Condoms are the only form of contraception that will protect you from HIV.

However, HIV is not always passed on the first time, so it's never too late to start practising safer sex…….. Use a Condom every time.