Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

AIDS is an acronym that stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. This disease is caused by the infection of a retrovirus known as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)—a virus that attacks and weakens the human immune system. Over time, opportunistic infections and diseases that can lead to severe illness or death may affect a weakened immune system. While there is no cure for HIV/AIDS, there are treatments to help manage or suppress symptoms. The best “cure” is considered to be awareness and prevention through safe sex, abstinence, and use of sterile needles.

Approximately 8,000 people die each day of AIDS-related diseases, according to World Health Organization (WHO) statistics. It is estimated that more than 25 million people have died of AIDS since ...