SFGate: New findings on HIV-Kaposi's sarcoma link / Skin lesion virus predated S.F.'s epidemic of AIDS New findings on HIV-Kaposi's sarcoma link / Skin lesion virus predated S.F.'s epidemic of AIDS New research helps explain why infection with herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2), which causes genital herpes, increases the risk for HIV infection even after successful treatment heals the genital skin ... WHO fact sheet on HIV and AIDS with key facts and information on signs and symptoms, transmission, risk factors, testing and counselling, prevention, treatment and WHO response. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an infection that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the white blood cells called CD4 cells.

Understanding the Context

HIV destroys these CD4 cells, weakening a person’s immunity against opportunistic infections, such as tuberculosis and fungal infections, severe bacterial infections and some cancers. Key facts on HIV. Since the beginning of the epidemic, 91.4 million [73.4–116.4 million] people have been infected with the HIV virus and about 44.1 million [37.6–53.4 million] people have died from HIV-related causes. Globally, 40.8 million [37.0–45.6 million] people were living with HIV at the end of 2024.

Key Insights

An estimated 0.7% [0.6-0.8%] of adults aged 15–49 years worldwide are living ... The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) targets the immune system and weakens people's defense systems against infections and some types of cancer. It is transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse (anal or vaginal), transfusion of contaminated blood, sharing of contaminated needles, or between a mother and her infant during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, if the mother is not ... The World Health Organization (WHO) has released updated recommendations on HIV clinical management providing new and revised guidance on antiretroviral therapy, management of vertical HIV transmission, and tuberculosis (TB) prevention for people living with HIV. These recommendations support an evidence-based, cost-effective approach to improving treatment outcomes, reducing HIV-related ...

Final Thoughts