HIV/AIDS By Paul G.

Introduction: What is HIV/AIDS? ◦ HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. ◦ AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. ◦ HIV causes AIDS by attacking CD4 cells in a person’s immune system. ◦ CD4 cells are one of the body’s most important defenses against foreign infections. ◦ Picture: Close-up of the HIV virus.

Why did I chose this Issue? ◦ AIDS is a disease that affects millions of people worldwide. ◦ AIDS is deadly; people die from infections their bodies can no longer fight off because of the HIV virus. ◦ As of right now, there is no viable cure for AIDS. ◦ AIDS sometimes gets overlooked because it is treatable in the West, even though people in other countries may not be able to be treated.

Why is a cure to AIDS important? ◦ Anyone can become infected through an infected person’s bodily fluids. ◦ Some “folk cures” found in Sub-Saharan Africa actually spread the disease. ◦ AIDS is a deadly disease. ◦ It is treatable, but only with expensive Western medicine. ◦ A cure would be cheaper and more effective, making treatment of African populations much more viable.

What can be done to help this issue? ◦ Many scientists are working towards better treatments and cures. ◦ Some of this research takes place in America, and some takes place abroad. ◦ Not everyone can research, but everyone can donate for research. ◦ People can protect themselves from becoming infected and infected individuals can protect others by not sharing needles and by practicing safer sex.

What will I do to help end this issue? ◦ Donate money to charities ◦ Solicit Kansas’ congressional delegation to provide more government funds for research

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