Discover the Importance of HIV Awareness
Since the emergence of the AIDS pandemic in the 1980s, a great deal of scientific research and public discussion has revolved around the role of the human immunodeficiency virus, known for short as HIV, in the development of AIDS. Today, most mainstream medical sources, including the World Health Organization, agree the HIV retrovirus causes AIDS, which has killed more than 25 million people around the world. Still, some so-called "AIDS denialists" claim the disease the HIV virus does not cause AIDS and even claim racist or political motivations led to the spread of AIDS.
Former South African president Thabo Mbeki designed his public-health policies on the premise that HIV does not cause AIDS, basing his authority on the work of AIDS denialists, such as Peter Duesberg of Berkeley, California. Duesberg and others claim sociopolitical bias caused the poverty and malnutrition in Africa that provided a breeding ground for AIDS.
In the United States, both government agencies and private institutions have long advocated campaigns designed to minimize behaviors that put people at risk for HIV infection. They have based these campaigns on the mainstream thesis that shared bodily fluids, such as blood and semen, transmit the virus. These campaigns urge "safer sex" guidelines to persuade sexually active individuals to use condoms for penetrative sex and discourage drug addicts from sharing contaminated needles. Supporters of these programs have claimed success in reducing the rate of new infections, but some religious groups believe sexual abstinence is the only morally acceptable solution.
Recent Debates
- Should Those With HIV Have to Make Their Condition Public?62% No
- Should Employers Have the Right to Know if a Potential Employee Has HIV?54% Yes
- Should Individuals Who Knowingly Transmit the HIV Virus to Others Suffer Legal Consequences?85% Yes
- Should Athletes Who Test Positive For HIV Be Allowed to Play?57% Yes
- Myths About HIV Transmission
Read on for information dispelling some of the most common myths regarding the ways that HIV can and cannot get transmitted to humans.
Read Full Article - What to Expect During the Latency Stage of HIV
Learn what to expect during the latency phase of HIV and how to ensure that you have the best possible disease outcome.
Read Full Article - Various HIV Awareness Days and How They Are Celebrated
Read about several HIV/AIDS awareness days that are celebrated throughout the year in an effort to help people understand the plight of AIDS victims.
Read Full Article - How to Avoid Transmitting HIV Through Sexual Activities
Learn how to avoid transmitting HIV through sexual activities and the three methods that help reduce your likelihood of contracting the disease.
Read Full How-To