AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) and its base virus HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) are responsible for over 40 million deaths in the last 26 years. Found in every country of the world, the HIV/AIDS pandemic is one of the largest pandemics in human history. Since AIDS first appeared in 1981-initially and erroneously referred to as GRID (Gay Related Immuno Deficiency)- significant strides have been made to educate an uninformed or misinformed public, combat the virus and offer hope to those infected through a continuing series of drug treatments, and address the continuing spread of HIV. Today, over 33 million people are living with HIV/AIDS and more than 6,800 more are added to their numbers every day. There are also over 14 million AIDS orphans; robbed of one or both of their parents by AIDS.
HIV attacks a host's immune system, targeting a specific kind of white blood cell. The HIV virus replicates itself from cell to cell, eventually depleting an individual's immune system to the point of no resistance. This process may take months or years to occur, with few visible symptoms after an initial flu-like bout. Once an individual's immune system is effectively destroyed, AIDS sets in. They will eventually die from any number of diseases or infections that overwhelm their ineffective immune system.
Take a moment to pray and ask God to open your heart with compassion and your mind to a greater understanding as you progress through our virtual prayer path.
An interactive animation of the molecular biology of an HIV infection. Thorough and easy to understand.
A narrated, step-by-step explanation of the HIV virus, including a quiz at the end to see how much you learned.
A lengthy and thorough written and illustrated explanation of the development of the HIV virus, as well as a brief overview of HIV and AIDS in the USA and the world.
The most recently released report (July 2008) on the prevalence and spread of HIV/AIDS.
