Why in news?
Global health agencies continue to emphasise the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of HIV in order to prevent the progression to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). The World Health Organization’s latest fact‑sheet highlights that more than 40 million people worldwide live with HIV and that timely antiretroviral therapy allows them to lead long, healthy lives. In India, the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) and other public health programmes are raising awareness about testing, prevention and free treatment services.
Background
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, weakening its ability to fight infections and certain cancers. If left untreated, prolonged HIV infection can advance to AIDS – the most severe stage when the immune system is badly damaged. HIV spreads when the body fluids of a person carrying the virus – such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids or breast milk – enter another person’s bloodstream. It does not spread through casual contact like hugging, sharing utensils or mosquito bites. Advances in medical science have made HIV a manageable chronic condition for people who take antiretroviral medicines as prescribed.
How HIV spreads
- Unprotected sexual contact: Anal or vaginal sex without using condoms allows the virus to pass from one person to another. The risk is higher if one partner has a high viral load or an untreated infection.
- Sharing contaminated needles: Using the same needles or syringes for injecting drugs can transfer infected blood. Reusing surgical instruments or tattoo needles without proper sterilisation also poses a risk.
- Infected blood transfusions or organ transplants: If screening is inadequate, transfusions of infected blood or organ donations can spread HIV. Strict testing protocols now minimise this risk.
- Mother‑to‑child transmission: A pregnant person with untreated HIV may pass the virus to the baby during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding. Antiretroviral drugs given to the mother and infant greatly reduce this risk.
Symptoms and risk factors
Many people infected with HIV do not show symptoms immediately. During the first weeks after infection, some experience flu‑like signs such as fever, rash or sore throat. As the virus weakens the immune system over time, people may develop swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, recurrent fever or diarrhoea. Factors that increase risk include having multiple sexual partners, having another sexually transmitted infection, engaging in unprotected sex under the influence of alcohol or drugs, sharing injection equipment or undergoing unsterile medical procedures.
Prevention
- Practice safe sex: Using male or female condoms during every sexual encounter significantly reduces the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Mutual monogamy and limiting the number of partners further decrease risk.
- Get tested regularly: People who are at risk should undergo regular HIV screening. Knowing one’s status helps individuals take precautions and seek treatment early.
- Use clean needles: Avoid sharing needles, syringes or any instruments that pierce the skin. Harm‑reduction services can provide sterile equipment for people who inject drugs.
- Antiretroviral therapy (ART): Starting ART soon after diagnosis suppresses the viral load to undetectable levels, which preserves health and prevents transmission to others. Pregnant people with HIV should take ART to protect their babies.
- Pre‑Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): HIV‑negative individuals at substantial risk can take preventive medication such as oral tenofovir or long‑acting injectables. PrEP reduces the likelihood of infection when taken consistently.
Government initiatives
In India, the National AIDS Control Programme provides free antiretroviral medicines through hundreds of treatment centres. Public awareness campaigns encourage voluntary testing and reduce stigma. Community outreach programmes educate people about safe practices, while initiatives such as mother‑to‑child transmission prevention ensure that pregnant women receive care and their infants are tested and treated. Recent guidelines also recommend PrEP for people at high risk, expanding preventive options.
Conclusion
HIV infection is preventable and treatable. By using condoms, avoiding needle sharing, accessing regular testing and adhering to antiretroviral therapy, individuals can protect themselves and others. Continued public education, improved access to treatment and supportive policies will bring the world closer to the goal of ending the AIDS epidemic.
Source: WHO Fact Sheet on HIV/AIDS
