Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV/AIDS) is a viral infection that progressively weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and certain cancers. Since its identification in the early 1980s, HIV has become a significant global public health concern. As of the end of 2023, approximately 39.9 million people worldwide were living with HIV, with 65% residing in the WHO African Region.
Knowing HIV and How It Affects the Immune System
HIV targets and destroys CD4 cells, a type of white blood cell crucial for immune defense. As the virus replicates, it reduces the number of these cells, impairing the body’s ability to combat infections and diseases. Without treatment, this deterioration can lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), the most advanced stage of HIV infection.
Transmission and Prevention
HIV is primarily transmitted through:
- Unprotected sexual contact with an infected person.
- Sharing needles or syringes contaminated with HIV-infected blood.
- from mother to child while she is pregnant, giving birth, or nursing.
Preventive measures include:
- Consistent use of condoms during sexual activity.
- Regular HIV testing and counseling.
- availability of harm reduction programs for drug injectors.
- Ensuring safe blood transfusions and medical procedures.
- Antiretroviral therapy (ART) for pregnant women living with HIV to reduce mother-to-child transmission.
Symptoms and Progression
The progression of HIV varies among individuals and occurs in stages:
- Acute HIV Infection: Within 2-4 weeks after exposure, some individuals may experience flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, rash, and sore throat.
- Clinical Latency Stage: This phase can last several years, during which the virus is active but reproduces at low levels. Many may not exhibit symptoms during this period.
- AIDS: Without treatment, HIV advances to AIDS, characterized by a severely weakened immune system and the occurrence of opportunistic infections or cancers.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Early detection through testing is vital for managing HIV. Once diagnosed, initiating ART can significantly improve health outcomes. ART involves a combination of HIV medicines that suppress the virus’s replication, allowing the immune system to recover and function effectively. While there is no cure for HIV, ART enables individuals to lead healthy lives and reduces the risk of transmitting the virus to others.
Global Impact and Statistics
HIV remains a significant global public health concern. In 2023, an estimated 1.3 million people acquired HIV, and approximately 630,000 people died from HIV-related causes. Since the beginning of the epidemic, HIV has claimed an estimated 42.3 million lives.
Challenges and the Way Forward
Despite advancements in treatment and prevention, challenges persist:
- Access to Services: Ensuring equitable access to HIV prevention, testing, and treatment services, especially in low-resource settings.
- Stigma and Discrimination: Addressing societal barriers that hinder individuals from seeking care.
- Drug Resistance: Monitoring and managing HIV drug resistance to maintain the effectiveness of treatments.
The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the need for comprehensive strategies to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030. This includes scaling up prevention efforts, expanding access to treatment, and addressing social determinants that contribute to HIV vulnerability.
Conclusion
HIV remains a significant challenge to global health, weakening the immune system and leading to life-threatening conditions if untreated. Through continued efforts in prevention, early diagnosis, and effective treatment, it is possible to manage HIV and improve the quality of life for those affected. For more detailed information, please refer to the World Health Organization’s fact sheet on HIV/AIDS.
