Written By: Kriti Saraswat | Published : October 25, 2014 11:44 AM IST
British singer Elton John who is also an activist and has his own foundation, has partnered up with US government agencies to create an AIDS-free society. His foundation along with other agencies such as US Agency for International Development (USAID), US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, will work jointly on a program called Health4Men to provide access to HIV services especially to gays and transgenders in Africa.
For this, Elton met the US Secretary of State John Kerry. According to Elton, it was a dream come true for his foundation to work with US government initiatives. He told Reuters, 'We should be living in an AIDS-free world, and that people, no matter who they love, who they are, should have a right to be AIDS-free.'
What is HIV?
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that destroys or impairs the function of the body s immune system making the person more susceptible to infections. Unless treated, it develops into full-blown acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The virus infects humans when it comes in contact with tissues lining the vagina, anal area, mouth and eyes, or through a break in the skin. There are two main types HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-2 is typically found in Africa and parts of Asia. HIV-2 is typically found in Africa and parts of Asia. Asia can thus no longer be considered free of HIV-2, and testing for HIV-2 appears mandatory, at least in India. Worldwide, when people refer to HIV they are usually referring to HIV-1.
What is AIDS?
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) isn t a disease in itself. It is a condition in caused by HIV in which the body s immune system fails to battle foreign microorganisms. This leads to various opportunistic infections and/or certain cancers. It is the most advanced stage of HIV infection. Read more on its causes, symptoms, treatment options.
Photo source: Getty images
With inputs by Dr Anitha Anchan
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