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Treatment for HIV

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) enters the body, replicates, and attacks the cells of the immune system. Attacking the immune system weakens the body’s defenses against infection. This means that an HIV+ person is susceptible to a number of opportunistic infections.

Once the body’s immune system is weakened to a certain level, and the individual is exposed to a number of infections, the person infected with HIV progresses to AIDS (Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome). It is at this stage where HIV infection becomes fatal, due to the body's increasing inability to fight off common opportunistic infections (such as pneumonia, diarrhea, and - especially in India - tuberculosis).

However, the reality is that HIV never has to lead to AIDS!

HIV is now defined by the World Health Organization as a chronic and treatable condition, like diabetes. By taking proper care, it is possible to live with HIV without ever progressing to AIDS.

Management of HIV requires strengthening the weakening immune system. Proper nutrition is crucial to keep the body healthy and strong. HIV positive people require medical treatment (including but not limited to anti-retrovial drugs), good mental health, and social support - which includes access to resources like adequate health care facilities, housing and employment, as well as an environment free from stigma and discrimination.

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