Since the first cases of HIV were reported more than 35 years ago, 78 million people have become infected with HIV and 35 million have died from AIDS-related illnesses. 

Every day, more than 1,800 women around the world acquire HIV, according to the latest data from UNAIDS (United Nations? programme to combat HIV/AIDS). 

Isn?t this shocking?!

World AIDS Day is celebrated on December 1st and Women Flix is supporting the cause, raising awareness for the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection.

First things first: what are HIV and AIDS?

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It harms your immune system by destroying the white blood cells that fight infections and your body becomes naturally unprotected.

AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome and describes the collection of symptoms and infections associated with acquired deficiency of the immune system. It is the final stage of infection with HIV and although it has no cure yet, it is effectively treatable. Actually people who get early treatment can live longer and healthier lives.

It is important to clarify that not everyone with HIV develops AIDS. However the majority of people infected with HIV, if not treated, develop signs of AIDS within eight to 10 years.

How does HIV spread?

The most common way of spread is through unprotected sex with an infected person.

It also spreads by sharing drug needles, syringes or other injection equipment, through contact with the blood of a person who has HIV and from mother to baby during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding.

Too easy, right?!

HIV/AIDS in Women

Women are at greater risk of being infected with HIV during sexual intercourse than men are because the vagina has a large surface area to be exposed to the virus and vaginal tissue is fragile and can tear during sex.

Globally, young women ages 15-24 are twice as likely to be living with HIV as young men of the same age.

Women who have HIV/AIDS are likely to struggle with complications:

Keynotes

Any woman who has sex is at risk of HIV infection, no matter what her race, ethnicity, age, or sexual orientation is. 

HIV-infected semen can stay in the vagina for several days after sex, which means a longer exposure time for women. 

Despite adopting preventive behavior, the only way to know for sure whether you have HIV is to get tested, so you should talk to your partner about their sexual past and get tested together.

When a person living with HIV is taking effective antiretroviral therapy and has a suppressed viral load they are no longer infectious.

Should you wish to learn more about how HIV and AIDS affects young girls and women, please read this.

And remember: a woman living with HIV or AIDS does not need prejudice or indifference. She needs support, family, friends, and fun!