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HIV/AIDS

Definition of HIV / AIDS

Since 1981, 20 million people have died from HIV/AIDS. It is estimated that 39.4 million people are living with HIV globally in 2004. This is up from an estimated 36.6 million in 2002. The steepest increases in HIV infections occurred in East Asia, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia.

How HIV is transmitted

Its sole means of transmission is the exchange of bodily fluids with an infected person:

  • Sexual: vaginal, oral or anal intercourse without condom protection (including unsafe commercial sex)
  • Injecting drug use or blood transfusion: infected blood or blood products, or by skin piercing contaminated instruments like needles and syringes
  • Mother-to-child transmission: from an infected mother to her unborn child during pregnancy, delivery or through breastfeeding

HIV can NOT be transmitted by:

  • Coughing or sneezing
  • Insect bites
  • Touching or hugging
  • Water or food
  • Handshakes
  • Using telephones
  • Public baths
  • Swimming pools
  • Sharing cups, glasses, plates, and other utensils

Women, Girls and HIV/AIDS

Women now make up nearly half of the 37.2 million adults (15 - 49) living with HIV worldwide

Generally, women lack complete control over their lives and are taught from early childhood to be obedient and submissive to males, particularly males who command power such as a father, uncle, elder brother or guardian. In sexual relations, a woman is expected to please her male partner, even at the expense of her own pleasure or well-being. Dominance of male interests and lack of self-assertiveness on the part of women puts them at risk. Women are taught never to refuse having sex with their husbands, regardless of the number of partners he may have or his non-willingness to use condoms, even if he is suspected of having HIV or another STD.

(Ministry of Health/Central Board of Health, Zambia, 1999: 14)

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