HIV and AIDS

HIV is a virus. It slowly makes the body’s defence system (immune system) weak. Without medicine, the body can no longer fight other sicknesses. This late stage is called AIDS.

HIV spreads through some body fluids:

• sex without a condom
• sharing needles or razors that have blood on them
• from a mother to her baby during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding, if she is not taking HIV medicine
• blood that has not been tested

HIV does not spread through hugging, shaking hands, sharing food or cups, toilets, or mosquito bites.

Many people with HIV feel well for years, so they do not know they have it. A test is the only way to know. Tests are quick and often free at clinics. Your result is private.

HIV medicine (ART) is taken every day. It keeps the body strong. When the medicine works well, the virus becomes so small that it cannot pass to a partner through sex. Take your medicine every day, even when you feel well.

A pregnant woman with HIV who takes her medicine can have a baby without HIV. Ask about an HIV test at your first clinic visit.

People with HIV need support, not shame. Fear and unkind words stop people from getting tested and treated.

Read how HIV and malaria affect each other on our Malaria and HIV/AIDS page. People with HIV are also more likely to get TB.