In observance of World Aids Day on December 1, I’m reposting Kuya Tino‘s interview with News5 discussing about the present HIV/AIDS situation in the Philippines. Although the interview was conducted in 2014, what the resource person shared about HIV/AIDS remain relevant up to this day. Please listen to the short clip. Thanks.

What Is HIV?

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks cells that help the body fight infection, making a person more vulnerable to other infections and diseases. It is spread by contact with certain bodily fluids of a person with HIV, most commonly during unprotected sex (sex without a condom or HIV medicine to prevent or treat HIV), or through sharing injection drug equipment.

If left untreated, HIV can lead to the disease AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).

What Is AIDS?

AIDS is the late stage of HIV infection that occurs when the body’s immune system is badly damaged because of the virus.

In the absence of HIV/AIDS vaccine, people must learn the simple steps or the ABCs of AIDS Prevention:

A – Abstain B – Be faithful C – Condom use

World AIDS Day, designated on 1 December every year since 1988, is an international day dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection and mourning those who have died of the disease. Wikipedia

Source: https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/overview/about-hiv-and-aids/what-are-hiv-and-aids