The Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV attacks and destroys the immune system, whose purpose it is to protect the body against infections.
HIV/AIDS has existed for decades but it was identified as a deadly disease and named in 1981. It is estimated that there are about 33.2 million people living with the disease worldwide, and that it has killed an estimated 2.1 million people, including 330,000 children. Southern Africa is the region worst affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Over three-quarters of AIDS-related deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa. South Africa has the sixth highest prevalence of HIV in the world, with 18.8% of the population estimated to be infected. These statistics poses great concern for every individual to stand up and fight against HIV/AIDS.
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