2. What is HIV? HIV is a virus that takes over certain immune system cells to make many copies of itself. HIV causes slow but constant damage to the immune system. What is AIDS? AIDS is the condition diagnosed when there are a group of related symptoms that are caused by severe HIV infection. AIDS makes the body vulnerable to life-threatening illnesses called opportunistic infections.

3. 3 main ways that HIV is transmitted: 1.Sexually – this is the most common 2.Blood - intravenous drug users, hemophiliacs and recipients of blood transfusions 3.Mother-to-child-transmission

6.  Sub-Saharan Africa remains the most affected region in the global AIDS epidemic.  Number one overall cause of death in Africa  About 10% of the world’s population live in this region, 68% of adults and nearly 90% of children infected with HIV live here.

7.  Average life expectancy has fallen 5 years since 1990  There are approximately 11.4 million orphans due to AIDS.  Fewer children receiving basic education.  Number of working adults decreasing – leads to lowered income and slow economic growth.

8. AIDS in AFRICA Video

9. Routine screening of pregnant women encouraged a shift towards more general HIV testing – Preventive drugs and avoidance of breastfeeding ABC (Abstain, Be Faithful, Condom Use) Education Vaccines (developmental stage) Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) – Treatment should begin within an hour of possible infection, but no longer than 72 hours later – Cases of failure are most commonly attributed to delay in treatment

10. (Red) Campaign – Raises awareness and money for The Global Fund by teaming up with the world’s most iconic brands to produce (Red) branded products UNICEF – Life Skills-Based Education (LSBE) Peace Corps – Education and Business Initiatives United States Government – Proposed legislation to dramatically increase U.S. funding to help prevent and treat HIV/AIDS around the world.