Introduction

Human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, is the virus that causes AIDS. It attacks the body’s immune system. By weakening the body’s immune system against disease, HIV makes the body vulnerable to a number of potentially life-threatening infections and cancers. HIV is infectious, which means it can be transmitted from one person to another.HIV/AIDS has become a leading problem globally, facing not only Africa or developing countries but the entire world. As a result, many world agencies have launched numerous initiatives to fight the disease. Many world leaders have lent their support to fight this global enemy. However, despite the efforts, there has been a steady increase in HIV/AIDS victims since 1980.

HIV/AIDS-related deaths in developed countries have decreased dramatically in recent years due to the widespread use of effective new drugs and combination regimens. HIV/AIDS activists have played a key role in pushing for more research, faster drug approval, and better services for people with HIV/AIDS. Today, there is a particular emphasis placed on preventing new infections, dealing with the serious side effects of HIV therapies, and making treatments available to people in poor countries.

HIV and AIDS has become a disease of young people

  1. Over half of all new infections worldwide occur among young people aged 15 to 24
  2. Each day, 6,000 young people are infected with HIV – more than four new cases each minute.
  3. Young people often lack access to essential information on HIV and AIDS and the means to protect themselves from the virus.

Young people’s enthusiasm, creativity, and adaptability make them an essential partner with a vital role to play in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Real and substantive changes occur when young people are able to identify the issues that they are primarily concerned about and become empowered to develop, implement and manage youth-owned strategies, activities, networks, organisations and campaigns.

How Common is HIV/AIDS?

  • Estimated number of AIDS/HIV cases worldwide: 33.2 million
  • Estimated number of new HIV infections worldwide: 2.5 million

Human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, is the virus that causes AIDS. It attacks the body’s immune system. By weakening the body’s immune system against disease, HIV makes the body vulnerable to a number of potentially life-threatening infections and cancers. HIV is infectious, which means it can be transmitted from one person to another.HIV/AIDS has become a leading problem globally, facing not only Africa or developing countries but the entire world. As a result, many world agencies have launched numerous initiatives to fight the disease. Many world leaders have lent their support to fight this global enemy. However, despite the efforts, there has been a steady increase in HIV/AIDS victims since 1980.

HIV/AIDS-related deaths in developed countries have decreased dramatically in recent years due to the widespread use of effective new drugs and combination regimens. HIV/AIDS activists have played a key role in pushing for more research, faster drug approval, and better services for people with HIV/AIDS. Today, there is a particular emphasis placed on preventing new infections, dealing with the serious side effects of HIV therapies, and making treatments available to people in poor countries.