HIV/AIDS CourseHIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection has infected more than 2.5 million people worldwide and now exists in every country in the world. This course modules aims at educating individuals about the background, prevention, prognosis and current treatment surrounding the AIDS epidemic, with a view to furthering early diagnosis and intervention. The disease cannot be cured and is ultimately lethal, however its growth can be slowed through various drug therapies.ObjectivesAt the end of this module, the student will be able to · Describe the dimensions of the epidemic today worldwide · Outline the causes of infection and identify those most at risk · Describe the progress of the disease from HIV infection to full-blown AIDS · Identify the common symptoms of HIV and AIDS · Describe the main types of available drugs and how they work on the body to slow progress of the disease · Understand preventive measures to fight the spread of AIDS The modern scourge of HIV/AIDS was first clinically observed in New York City in 1981 among homosexual men presenting with profound acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). What was then thought to affect a small minority is now known to affect millions of men and women worldwide. Identified as a virus in 1983, the virus can be diagnosed by means of blood test developed in 1985. Over 16 million deaths have been attributed to AIDS since its inception. At present 95% of an estimated 33 million HIV infections occur in developing countries, principally in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. Internationally, 10% of cases are children younger than 15 years old. Life expectancy from untreated HIV infection leading to AIDS is two to three years. |