living with HIV
Source:UNAIDS
HIV treatment
Our immune system protects us from infections and cancers. HIV is a virus that targets immune cells and destroys or impairs them resulting in the progressive deterioration of the immune system. Drugs have been developed to disrupt the action of HIV, they are known as “antiretrovirals,” or ARVs. The virus can change rapidly, which makes it skilful at developing a resistance to drugs. To reduce this ability, people living with HIV are generally prescribed a combination of different ARVs that stop or interfere with the reproduction of virus in the body. The immune cells are then able to live longer and provide the body with protection.
Is there a cure for HIV?
There is no cure for HIV and treatment cannot destroy the virus. However people living with HIV who take antiretroviral drugs as prescribed can stay healthy, well and productive. Thanks to HIV treatment, the progression of HIV in the body can be slowed down and almost halted.
Universal access to HIV treatment
More than 4 million people in low and middle income countries were receiving HIV treatment at the close of 2008. However treatment still only reaches 42% of the 9.5 million people in need in 2008. Around 45% of HIV-positive pregnant women receive treatment to prevent the transmission of the virus to their child.
