HIV / AIDS
What is HIV?
HIV is the human immunodeficiency virus that causes AIDS. A member of a group of viruses called retroviruses, HIV infects human cells and uses the energy and nutrients provided by those cells to grow and reproduce.


The causative agent of AIDS is the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV does not survive long outside the body and therefore can only be transmitted when any of the body fluids from an infected individual enters an uninfected individual.

HIV is transmitted through the exchange of any HIV-infected body fluids. The HIV virus is found in the following body fluids such as:

  • Blood

  • Seminal fluid (and pre-ejaculate fluid)

  • Vaginal secretions

  • Breast milk

What are the risk factors for HIV?

    If you practice the following, you are at high risk of getting HIV/AIDS:

    • Sexual intercourse with multiple partners of both sexes (heterosexual or homosexual)

    • Sexual intercourse with prostitutes

    • Sharing needles among drug addicts