Basic Information

Group of young  people sitting together Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is caused by HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). By killing or damaging cells of the body's immune system, HIV progressively destroys the body's ability to fight infections and certain cancers.

Over one million Americans are living with HIV/AIDS today. Worldwide, the figure is over 33 million. Effective HIV care—including antiretroviral drug therapies and regular access to primary health care—can help people manage their HIV disease and live longer.

Topics

  • HIV/AIDS 101
    A listing of facts and myths about HIV/AIDS, as well as factoids about HIV/AIDS and the efforts to combat the disease.
  • Overview
    This overview includes basic information about HIV/AIDS, basic resources, statistical information about the disease, and information about the history of HIV/AIDS.
  • Prevention and Education
    Includes basic information about HIV/AIDS prevention, basic prevention resources, and related prevention topics on AIDS.gov.
  • Living with HIV/AIDS
    Includes basic information about living with HIV/AIDS, basic resources about living with HIV/AIDS, and related topics about living with HIV/AIDS on AIDS.gov.
  • Related Health Issues
    Includes basic information about health issues related to HIV/AIDS, basic resources about related health issues, and related topics about the health issues of HIV/AIDS on AIDS.gov.
  • HIV/AIDS Glossary
    A glossary of basic terminology related to HIV/AIDS.
  • Frequent Questions
    General and basic frequent questions asked about HIV/AIDS.

Last revised: 09/19/2008